8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Jun 30, 2025)

Filed June 30, 2025For Securities:EQR

Summary

Equity Residential (EQR) has announced a significant transition in its executive leadership team. Alexander Brackenridge, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, will be stepping down from his CIO role on August 7, 2025, and will retire from the company at the end of 2025. He will transition to an advisory role as Executive Vice President – Investments during this period. This leadership change marks the end of Mr. Brackenridge's tenure, during which he has held a key investment role since 2020. The company is appointing Robert A. Garechana, the current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to succeed Mr. Brackenridge as Chief Investment Officer. Concurrently, Bret D. McLeod has been appointed as Executive Vice President – Finance, effective July 22, 2025, and will assume the Chief Financial Officer role upon Mr. Garechana's transition. Mr. McLeod brings extensive experience from prior leadership roles at Great Wolf Resorts and Host Hotels & Resorts.

Key Highlights

  • 1Alexander Brackenridge, EVP & Chief Investment Officer, to transition out of CIO role on August 7, 2025, and retire by year-end 2025.
  • 2Robert A. Garechana, current EVP & CFO, appointed as the new Chief Investment Officer, effective August 7, 2025.
  • 3Bret D. McLeod appointed as EVP – Finance, effective July 22, 2025, and will succeed Mr. Garechana as CFO on August 7, 2025.
  • 4Mr. Brackenridge will serve as EVP – Investments during his transition period.
  • 5Mr. McLeod's new compensation includes a base salary of $550,000, target annual bonus of $687,500, and a target annual equity grant of $825,000 (prorated).
  • 6Mr. McLeod will also receive a $1,250,000 restricted stock retention award vesting over three years.
  • 7Mr. Brackenridge's retirement package includes a bonus and equity grant for 2025 service, and retirement benefits consistent with the 'Rule of 70' as per the proxy statement; no severance is provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filing announces a planned executive leadership transition within Equity Residential, specifically concerning the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer roles.

Alexander Brackenridge is stepping down as Chief Investment Officer and retiring. Robert A. Garechana will move from CFO to Chief Investment Officer. Bret D. McLeod will join as EVP – Finance and then become the new CFO.

Mr. McLeod's compensation includes an annual base salary of $550,000, a target annual cash performance bonus of $687,500, and a target annual performance equity grant of $825,000 (prorated for 2025). He will also receive a $1,250,000 restricted stock award that vests after three years.

Mr. Brackenridge will serve as Executive Vice President – Investments from his transition date (August 7, 2025) until his retirement at the end of 2025, reporting to the CEO and assisting in the handover of responsibilities.