Edward J. Fritsch served as the CEO of Highwoods Properties, Inc. from November 2005 until his retirement in September 2019. With expertise in real estate, he led the company through significant transformations and market adaptations. During his tenure, Fritsch was...
Edward J. Fritsch served as the CEO of Highwoods Properties, Inc. from November 2005 until his retirement in September 2019. With expertise in real estate, he led the company through significant transformations and market adaptations. During his tenure, Fritsch was known for aligning executive pay with company performance, ensuring that his compensation reflected his contributions to Highwoods' success. For example, in 2019, his total compensation reached about $5.9 million, which included a cash bonus for excellent performance. His leadership style emphasized teamwork and individual excellence, driving impressive yearly results in net operating income and occupancy rates. After retiring, he agreed to serve as a consultant for the company for two years, continuing to support Highwoods after his official departure. Fritsch's influence on the company was substantial, as he oversaw strategic decisions that shaped Highwoods' portfolio and market position.