ProLogis has hired Dessa M. Bokides as executive vice president and chief financial officer effective September 2005, bringing 18 years experience in financial management, investment banking, risk management and real estate.
Bokides joins ProLogis from Pitney Bowes, Inc., the world’s leading provider of integrated mail and document management systems, services and solutions, where in her role as Vice President – Finance and Treasurer she was responsible for treasury operations, pension management, tax, long-range financial planning, capital investments, enterprise risk management, and worldwide real estate and facilities. Since joining Pitney Bowes in 2001, her accomplishments include restructuring the debt portfolio, streamlining the treasury department, developing the long-term financial plan, establishing an enterprise risk management program, redefining the pension fund strategy and consolidating the real estate portfolio.
From 1987 to 1996, Bokides was a vice president and head of commitment products for Goldman, Sachs & Co. She was also a member of Goldman’s firm-wide, risk-steering committee. Bokides’ duties included lead analytical responsibility for real estate companies, retailers and the Midwest region. In the early 1990s, she was instrumental in developing capital structure and funding strategies for Goldman’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) clients. In 1996, Bokides joined Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., as Global Head and Managing Director of the Rating Advisory and Capital Strategy Group where she built a global business unit dedicated to advising clients on the rating implications of various recapitalizations and acquisitions as well as on new ratings. In addition, Ms. Bokides originated fixed-income and derivative instruments for the bank’s capital markets desk. Bokides has advised sovereign and corporate entities in Eastern Europe, Europe, Asia and the United States.
“I have observed ProLogis’ growth and the evolution of its unique operating model with great interest since the company’s formation 12 years ago,” said Bokides. “Through its talented team and customer focus, ProLogis has achieved an enviable position as a global market leader, and I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic organization. I look forward to being part of the company’s continued success.”
Bokides, 46, received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College in Colorado Springs and her Masters in Business Administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. She is married and has four sons.
ProLogis Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey H. Schwartz, said, “We are extremely pleased to have someone with Dessa’s deep financial and risk management expertise join ProLogis. Her successful track record in global financial structuring and significant real estate experience will be valuable to ProLogis as we continue to expand our market-leading platform of distribution facilities worldwide.”