Thomas D. Bell, Jr. has been a significant figure in commercial real estate as the Chief Executive Officer of Cousins Properties. He took over the CEO role in 2005, and later became Chairman of the Board when the previous chairman...

Thomas D. Bell, Jr. has been a significant figure in commercial real estate as the Chief Executive Officer of Cousins Properties. He took over the CEO role in 2005, and later became Chairman of the Board when the previous chairman retired. During his leadership, Cousins Properties achieved impressive milestones including a company asset sale worth $1.3 billion and a large $356 million special dividend for shareholders. Bell's strategy included establishing new business divisions, such as the Industrial Division, which shows his focus on growth and adaptation in a changing market. His compensation has reflected his performance, with his salary increasing over the years; for example, he earned a $2.1 million total compensation in 2012, showing that the board values his contribution. His tenure comes with its challenges, notably the financial ups and downs in the real estate sector, but Bell's leadership has kept the company competitive through careful planning and execution.