Matt Allen

Allen is “Mr. Inside” to Jorge Perez’ role as “Mr. Outside” for Coconut Grove-based Related Group, with 25 years of handling day-to-day responsibilities for everything from finance to asset management and human resources. Finance has been a particular strongpoint, with Allen credited as instrumental in raising more than $15 billion as its portfolio expanded across South Florida, delivering projects such as Icon Brickell, Baccarat Residences, and the continuing developments in Wynwood and Fort Lauderdale.

The money has flowed in no small part thanks to his work at forging and maintaining strong relationships between the developer and major institutional investors. His deep understanding of capital markets and risk management has positioned him as a key strategist in shaping Related’s long-term growth and investment direction, a task that takes on new dimensions as it works in the same region as Steve Ross’ new outfit (see related entry) and its enormous ambitions up I-95 in Palm Beach.

That’s not the only navigational challenge for Allen, who has faced various political and civic quagmires alongside Perez. For instance, Miami’s historic preservation board voted in 2023 to designate a portion of a Related Group development site in the Brickell a protected archaeological landmark after Native American artifacts were discovered on the property. Related Group has also faced vehement resident opposition to the firm’s planned beachfront condominium project in Hollywood.

— Francisco Alvarado