Chris Erb | Russo Development

Chris Erb brings an extensive breadth of experience in all facets of the real estate industry to Russo Development, having led teams that have completed over $6 billion in development and real estate transactions over his more than 20-year career. At Russo, Chris leads the Development group and is responsible for all ground up and redevelopment activities for the company, including acquisition, entitlements, and project execution.

Prior to joining Russo Development, Chris was Head of Development for Macy’s and led its $6.5 billion development program, including the identification, cultivation, and execution of development projects throughout Macy’s national 600+ property real estate portfolio. He also oversaw all asset underwriting for Macy’s real estate monetization program, which created over $2 billion in value for Macy’s over five years and led the organization’s initiative to up zone the company’s iconic Herald Square location to accommodate an additional 1.2 million square foot office tower, leading an internal and external project team of over thirty team members.

Prior to Macy’s, Chris spent 15 years in various leadership roles at DDR Corp. (now known as Site Centers, NYSE: SITC), ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of Development and a member of the company’s investment, management, and executive committees. The youngest person in the company’s history to oversee the day-to-day operation of all development and construction activities for DDR’s nationwide ground up and redevelopment platform, during his tenure Chris led a team that created, managed, and completed a pipeline of close to 200 projects representing an investment of more than a billion dollars that averaged double digit cash on cash returns every year. Chris was also the national account manager for Target, Costco, and Home Depot, serving as a critical liaison between DDR and each company for all operational issues and new deal generation.

An active member of ULI and ICSC, Chris is a graduate of Colgate University, and a proud alumna and former student outdoor education instructor of the university’s nationally recognized Outdoor Education Program.

Chris ErbExecutive Vice President – Head of Development