Related California, the West Coast affiliate of Related Companies, and Co-Founder and Chairman Bill Witte today announced its leadership succession plan, effective January 1, 2026. Gino Canori will be President and CEO of Related California’s market-rate division, and Ann Silverberg will be President and CEO of its affordable division. Bill will assume the role of Chairman Emeritus.
Mr. Witte founded Related California with Stephen Ross in 1989 and he, along with his long-time business partner Frank Cardone, grew the company into a prolific affordable housing developer. Under Bill’s leadership, Related California is now one of the largest real estate companies on the west coast. The portfolio encompasses 21,000+ residential units completed or under construction including landmark public housing redevelopments such as the Sunnydale Hope SF community in San Francisco, mixed-income and market-rate homes such as Ocean Avenue South in Santa Monica and The Century in Los Angeles, mixed-use developments such as the South Coast Metro revitalization in Santa Ana, and more.
“When I look back on the past four decades and what this team has created, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride,” said Mr. Witte. “From the day we opened for business, our mission has been to build quality housing that meets the interests and needs of all Californians. Through the grit and determination of a group of smart, driven, and caring people, we were able to accomplish that and much more. I am beyond confident in Related California’s future under the leadership of Gino and Ann.”
“Bill has been an absolute force in California real estate, not only by driving the success of the business for over 35 years, but by helping shape the broader landscape of affordable housing and development,” said Jeff T. Blau, CEO of Related Companies. “We are grateful for his leadership, friendship and dedication and we have full confidence in Gino and Ann to steward this next chapter for Related California.”
“Bill’s greatest legacy may be the people he has mentored for decades,” said Kenneth P. Wong, COO of Related Companies. “As we embark on our next stage of growth, we know Gino and Ann will lead their teams with ambition and vision for continuous innovation. We are excited to see what’s to come from both business lines collaborating more than ever before.”
Mr. Canori will become the President and CEO of Related California, overseeing the market-rate and mixed-income development group. Mr. Canori’s career spans more than 24 years with Related California where he has been instrumental in the rapid expansion and success statewide. Today, he oversees a $10 billion pipeline of projects that includes 7,000+ multifamily units and 5+ million square feet of commercial space.
“When you think of leaders in California real estate development, Bill Witte is second to none,” said Gino Canori, President and CEO of Related California. “Bill’s legacy shaped how the industry approaches and executes new development in this dynamic market. I am deeply honored to lead this company with Ann and build on his foundation to develop more high-quality residential, mixed-use, office, hotels and commercial projects in one of the world’s most desirable places to live and work.”
Ms. Silverberg, a veteran affordable housing development executive with more than 25 years of experience, has served as CEO of Related California’s Nor Cal Affordable and Northwest Divisions for the past seven years. In her new role as President and CEO of Related California/Northwest Affordable, Ms. Silverberg will oversee all aspects of the company’s affordable housing development business lines and operations including in Northern California, Southern California, and the Pacific Northwest.
“Bill’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing for nearly 40 years is what distinguishes Related California as one of the most prominent developers in the state,” said Ann Silverberg, President and CEO of Related California/Northwest Affordable. “I am grateful to Bill for the standards he has set and honored to continue his life’s work of delivering quality affordable homes for families, seniors, and middle-income households. I look forward to working with Gino and our team of professionals across the West Coast who share this commitment and mission.”
For headshots and bios of Bill, Gino, and Ann, please visit here.
