Piedmont Office Realty Trust announced that Donald A. Miller, CFA, who has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since 2007, will retire effective June 30, 2019 and that the Board of Directors has named C. Brent Smith, the Company’s current President and Chief Investment Officer, as his successor.  Mr. Smith was also appointed to the Board of Directors, effective immediately.  Mr. Miller will stand for re-election to the Board of Directors for the 2019-20 term.

“The entire Piedmont team has worked together diligently over the last several years to hone our competitive strategy, narrow our markets, and improve our portfolio of properties.  During this time, Brent has provided valuable insight and leadership to the organization and been instrumental in the execution of each of the major transactions that have advanced this strategy,” said Mr. Miller.  “We have been working with the Board on this management transition for a while and I am excited about Brent officially assuming leadership of Piedmont as we all endeavor to drive our business and strategy to build value for our stockholders.”

Mr. Smith, 43, joined Piedmont in 2012 as Senior Vice President focused on acquisitions and dispositions.  He became Executive Vice President of the Company’s Northeast Region in 2015, while continuing his focus on strategic capital markets transactions.  In 2016, his role was expanded to also serve as Chief Investment Officer for the Company and in November of 2018, he was additionally appointed President.  As a result of Mr. Smith’s appointment to President, Piedmont has merged its Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions together (now referred to as the Northeast Region) to be led by Robert K. Wiberg, Executive Vice President, who previously headed the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Mr. Smith will retain the title of President in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer, as well as, his role as Chief Investment Officer through the end of the current year.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Smith said, “I am honored by the Board’s confidence in me and am appreciative of the entire Piedmont team’s support as I assume this new role. Having worked closely with Don and the Board for many years, I feel I have an in-depth understanding of Piedmont’s culture and corporate objectives.  I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, and the rest of the leadership team to drive the Piedmont platform and grow our business for stockholders”

Commenting on the transition, Frank C. McDowell, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “We are very appreciative of Don’s service over the last twelve years; leading Piedmont through its transformation to a publicly-traded Company with a high quality portfolio focused upon select markets where Piedmont now has a dominant presence. While we will miss Don’s daily leadership, we are confident in Brent’s ability to provide a smooth transition and to successfully lead us into the next chapter – his energy, enthusiasm, and extensive knowledge of virtually all aspects of our business will serve us well over the coming years.”