Extell Hires New CEO From Westbrook As Gary Barnett Steps Back

The developer behind some of the city’s most high-profile luxury residential developments has tapped a new chief executive as it looks to deliver on its ambitious pipeline.

Extell Development Co. has hired Sush Torgalkar, previously the chief operating officer and managing principal of Westbrook Partners, as CEO and president, the firm announced Tuesday.

Extell founder Gary Barnett will stay on as chairman, working alongside Torgalkar, according to a release.

“I met Sush over 13 years ago when we partnered with Westbrook Partners on two Upper East Side projects — 995 Fifth Avenue and The Lucida. He has proven himself to be a leader with strong relationships in the capital markets and a keen understanding of the real estate industry,” Barnett said in a statement. “As one of the most active developers in New York City, we are confident he will bring his outstanding experience to Extell.”

Torgalkar, who has two decades of real estate industry experience, said he was “honored and energized” to be joining Extell.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and experience I received at Westbrook which prepared me for this next journey at Extell,” he said in a statement.

Extell has built some of the city’s priciest condominium buildings, including One57 — largely considered the building that started what is now known as Billionaires’ Row.

Extell is now developing Central Park Tower, set to be the tallest residential building in the world, and One Manhattan Square, a condo building on the Lower East Side due to open later this year.