Former Brixmor Property Group CEO Dies
The former chief executive of Brixmor has died, six months after retiring from the position, according to a Monday press release.
James Taylor Jr. was CEO of the New York-based retail real estate investment trust from 2016 until he retired in December.
His cause of death was not released, but he took two medical leaves of absence in the last one and a half years, including one in October that culminated in his retirement.
President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Finnegan was appointed to the top role on an interim basis in October. Finnegan officially took the helm in January and still serves as president. He has been with the company since 2004.
Taylor was a friend, mentor and empathetic leader, Finnegan said in the press release.
"His legacy will be the countless lives he touched and the example he set for all of us," Finnegan said. "Above all, he was a devoted husband and father and someone who brought out the best in those around him."
Taylor had over 30 years of experience in real estate. Before joining Brixmor, he was chief financial officer and executive vice president of Federal Realty Investment Trust. Taylor also served as managing director and head of investment banking at Eastdil Secured and Wells Fargo.
"Having known Jim for 30 years in the industry, I have always admired his gift for making people feel valued, bringing warmth, humor, and authenticity to every relationship," Sheryl M. Crosland, Brixmor's chair of the board, said in the press release.
Taylor was the 2024 chair of retail association ICSC and held numerous roles within the organization, including serving on the executive board and on the nominating and governance, investment, and audit and finance committees.
ICSC President and CEO Tom McGee remembers Taylor as a friend.
"I trusted Jim implicitly and could talk to him openly about almost anything," McGee said in a statement. "When I sought his advice, he always offered his steady and calm support. Our friendship extended well beyond ICSC, and we shared many great meals, funny stories, and rounds of golf."
Taylor is survived by his wife, Alice, and two daughters.
Brixmor owns 344 open-air retail centers that encompass 62M SF across 29 states. The investment company inked 1.3M SF of new and renewed leases during the first quarter of 2026 and had another 2.8M SF of incoming leases that had not started but were signed.
Its total leased occupancy stands at 95.1%. Net operating income for the first three months of the year was up 6.4% year-over-year. The REIT will report second-quarter earnings July 27 after the market closes.
