P
enn State Smeal College of Business has appointed Christopher Raimondi, vice president of real estate finance at Monarch Alternative Capital, to its esteemed Penn State Real Estate Advisory Board. This distinguished group of professionals from business, government, and education sectors share a common goal: to elevate the standard of real estate education and scholarship at Penn State.

    Raimondi's impressive career trajectory began with a degree in finance from Smeal in 2012. He quickly made his mark as a deal advisory expert at KPMG before joining The Blackstone Group, where he honed his skills in financial due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. His expertise expanded to real estate valuation during his tenure in both New York and London offices.

    "I developed a unique understanding of the intricacies of global real estate markets," Raimondi reflected on his experience at Blackstone. "I also had the opportunity to assist portfolio companies in securing successful acquisitions, which further solidified my expertise."

    Raimondi's subsequent roles as head of financial planning and analysis at Capstone Investment Advisors and vice president of real estate finance at Monarch Alternative Capital LP have equipped him with a comprehensive skill set. His current responsibilities include managing deal executions, asset management, and financial reporting for the real estate and capital solutions platforms.

    Brent Ambrose, Jason and Julie Borrelli Faculty Chair in Real Estate, expressed enthusiasm about Raimondi's appointment: "Chris brings invaluable insights into global real estate markets and a wealth of experience in complex transactions. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the direction of our program and inspire our students."

    Raimondi is eager to contribute his expertise to Smeal's real estate major, emphasizing the importance of professional experience for students. "I believe it's essential for students to gain practical experience through mentorships, internships, guest speakers, case studies, and technical training workshops," he stated. "The more exposure they have, the better equipped they'll be to succeed in their careers."