Michael J. Schall has been at the helm of Essex Property Trust, Inc. since 2011, guiding the company through significant changes in the real estate market. With a B.S. from the University of San Francisco, Schall has deep roots in...

Michael J. Schall has been at the helm of Essex Property Trust, Inc. since 2011, guiding the company through significant changes in the real estate market. With a B.S. from the University of San Francisco, Schall has deep roots in finance, having begun his career at The Marcus & Millichap Company. His experience spans several key roles, including Chief Financial Officer before stepping into the CEO role. Under his leadership, the company focused on strategic growth and maintaining performance metrics related to income and revenue. One notable aspect of his tenure was his retirement announcement in late 2022, signaling a planned transition in leadership. Despite retiring, he has committed to part-time work with Essex for a year to ensure a smooth handover. Schall is a certified public accountant and has a history that reflects years of expertise in corporate finance and investment management. His financial strategies have repeatedly positioned Essex as a strong player in the real estate investment trust (REIT) landscape.