Cohen & Steers, Inc. has announced that Francis C. Poli, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, will retire in the first quarter of 2027 after a 40-year career in financial services, including 20 years at the firm. ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-announces-retirement-of-francis-c-poli-general-counsel-corporate-secretary/?utm_source=openai))
Brian W. Heller, currently Deputy General Counsel, will succeed Mr. Poli and join the firm’s Executive Committee. Mr. Heller joined Cohen & Steers in 2018 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel. Through the firm’s long-term succession planning process, he was identified as Mr. Poli’s successor in 2024 and promoted to Deputy General Counsel in January 2025. Prior to joining Cohen & Steers, Mr. Heller was Managing Director and Chief Counsel of Investment Banking at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods and Legal Head of Investment Banking at its parent company, Stifel Financial Corporation. ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-announces-retirement-of-francis-c-poli-general-counsel-corporate-secretary/?utm_source=openai))
Joseph Harvey, Chief Executive Officer, commented on Mr. Poli’s contributions: “Frank has been instrumental to the growth of Cohen & Steers, serving as a trusted partner and counsel to me, our founders, and the entire Executive Committee for the past 20 years. We are grateful for his two decades of service, his sound judgment, unwavering ethical leadership, and the lasting positive impact he has had on our culture and our people.” ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-announces-retirement-of-francis-c-poli-general-counsel-corporate-secretary/?utm_source=openai))
Martin Cohen, Chairman, also acknowledged Mr. Poli’s impact: “On behalf of the Cohen & Steers Board of Directors, I congratulate Frank on an outstanding career and thank him for his many contributions to the firm and our board. Since joining Cohen & Steers in 2007, only a few years after our IPO, Frank has played a critical role in establishing a foundation of strong corporate governance that has guided us as a public company.” ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-announces-retirement-of-francis-c-poli-general-counsel-corporate-secretary/?utm_source=openai))
Mr. Heller’s appointment reflects Cohen & Steers’ commitment to internal succession planning and leadership development. His extensive experience in legal and compliance matters positions him well to lead the firm’s Legal & Compliance department and contribute to the Executive Committee. ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-announces-retirement-of-francis-c-poli-general-counsel-corporate-secretary/?utm_source=openai))
This leadership transition is part of a series of strategic appointments by Cohen & Steers. In January 2026, the firm appointed Diana Shieh as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Asset Management for its Private Real Estate Group. ([cohenandsteers.com](https://www.cohenandsteers.com/news/cohen-steers-appoints-diana-shieh-to-lead-private-real-estate-operations-and-asset-management/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, in January 2026, Kikuo Shirose was named Representative Director of Cohen & Steers Japan Limited, leading the firm’s operations in Japan. ([nasdaq.com](https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/cohen-steers-appoints-kikuo-shirose-head-japan-2026-01-07?utm_source=openai))
These appointments underscore Cohen & Steers’ focus on strengthening its leadership team and enhancing its capabilities across various sectors to support the firm’s growth and strategic objectives.