REALPAC CEO Michael Brooks to Step Down at End of 2027
REALPAC (Real Property Association of Canada) announced today that Chief Executive Officer Michael Brooks has advised the Board of Directors that he will step down as CEO of REALPAC at the end of 2027, following more than 28 years leading the association.
Brooks has been a leading voice for Canada’s commercial real estate industry, representing the interests of the country’s largest institutional, public, and private real estate investment and development companies. Under his leadership, REALPAC has played a pivotal role in advancing market and regulatory transformation in Canada, including advocacy on REIT policy, cross-border and domestic tax matters, capital markets regulation, and affordable housing policy at both the national and international levels.
He has also been widely recognized for his leadership in sustainability and green building. During his tenure, REALPAC advanced numerous policy and advocacy initiatives supporting decarbonization and sustainable development across the sector. These efforts include the development of North America’s first corporate social responsibility guidelines for commercial real estate companies, the first Green Lease in North America, and the first benchmarking program and energy-use target for commercial buildings, developed in collaboration with the Canada Green Building Council.
Beyond REALPAC, Brooks has contributed extensively to industry, academic, and public policy leadership. He has served on the boards of the World Green Building Council, GRESB BV, Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, and the Toronto Foundation, and currently serves as one of three business advisors to the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council. A former partner and real estate practice group leader at Aird & Berlis LLP, he has also held academic appointments as Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor, and Executive in Residence at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. In 2023, he received the Canada Green Building Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to sustainability leadership in real estate.
“It is a privilege to serve as CEO of REALPAC, but it is time to start the leadership transition,” said Brooks. “Both REALPAC, and the Canadian commercial real estate industry, have undergone significant transformation during my time as leader, and REALPAC has grown to be a trusted and influential voice. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and will work closely with the Board to support a thoughtful and orderly leadership transition.”
The Board of Directors will initiate a CEO search in Q2 2026. A successor candidate is expected to join REALPAC in late 2026 or early 2027, to spend time with the existing CEO and staff, meeting members, partners and other stakeholders, and getting to know REALPAC’s operations. The successful candidate is expected to fully assume the CEO role January 1st, 2028.
For further information, please contact:
Carolyn Lane
Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Member Engagement
REALPAC
clane@realpac.ca
