Exclusive Q&A: Newly Minted MacFarlane Partners President Ken Lombard

Ken Lombard, former vice chairman, partner and head of investments for Capri Capital Partners, became president of San Francisco's MacFarlane Partners last month and made the transition from Chicago to the West Coast. Bisnow caught up with Ken (here in his new S.F. offices) to talk about his new position and future growth for the company.

His move was announced jointly by MacFarlane chairman and CEO Victor MacFarlane, and Capri Investment chairman Quintin E. Primo III, reflecting the collaborative relationship between the two companies.

Bisnow: What do you bring from your experience and background that will help shape your vision for MacFarlane Partners?

Ken Lombard: I have been very fortunate to have been involved in every aspect of development and investment management over the course of my career, so joining MacFarlane at this stage in their evolution is perfect timing, and I plan to be instrumental in accelerating this growth.

Bisnow: What is the strength of drawing on your development and investment experience?

Ken Lombard: I have enjoyed a very broad range of challenges in the many projects I’ve been involved in over many years—well, decades.

Bisnow: What are you most excited about in joining MacFarlane Partners?

Ken Lombard: Executing Victor’s vision. It’s being with a new team—and I’m excited to be back together with Victor. We started working together many years ago, and being reunited with someone like Victor who I deeply respect is the opportunity to start another great chapter.

Bisnow: Your move to MacFarlane Partners was made through a joint announcement with Capri Capital Partners. (We snapped the pic of Ken, above, when Capri was involved in the $248M purchase of LA's The Vermont.) What does the joint announcement say about the relationship between the two businesses?

Ken Lombard: The joint announcement is an acknowledgement of the close relationship that has been between MacFarlane Partners and Capri for a very long time. Quintin very much wanted a joint announcement as he knows the relationship will continue stronger than ever in future joint projects. There has always been and always will be a high level of mutual support and respect.

Bisnow: How do you see MacFarlane Partners' focus on smart growth, urban revitalization and sustainability factoring into investment and development decisions?

Ken Lombard: Each investment carries its own weight and uniqueness—and those are all critical aspects of every project in which we’re involved.

Bisnow: Is increasing demand for those kinds of projects in urban and high-density areas driving growth for the company?

Ken Lombard: It’s a part of the growth and will continue to expand in its importance. As you have seen, every thoughtful company is focused on increasing its commitment to each of these pillars.

Bisnow: MacFarlane is expanding its real estate development business through MacFarlane Development Co in the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Seattle. Where do you see the potential going forward?

Ken Lombard: As you look at institutional capital right now, there is tremendous interest in working with quality developers, and as MacFarlane Partners continues to grow and be successful, the company continues to be attractive to additional investment.

Bisnow: What do you like to do when you're away from the office?

Ken Lombard: Prior to my hip replacement, I played a lot of golf. Now that I'm on the mend, I look forward to getting back in the game!