Leadership

CGI+ was founded by Gidi Cohen and Adrian Goldstein with a vision to create a collective of freethinkers and innovators that deliver boutique-living solutions that are beautiful, functional, and inspiring to the people that live in them and enrich the communities they serve.

GIDI COHEN

Founder and CEO

Gidi Cohen is the founder and CEO of CGI+ Real Estate Investment Strategies (“CGI+), a Los Angeles-based multifamily investment and development firm with nearly $2 billion in assets under management (AUM). Over the course of his nearly three decades as a principal investor and developer, Gidi has been involved in the development, acquisition and disposition of multifamily, commercial, industrial and retail space throughout the United States with a value in excess of $3 billion.

Cohen’s nearly three decades in real estate began in 1994 when he acquired a fledgling Los Angeles-based construction firm where under his leadership annual revenues grew from $1.5 million to $15 million before being sold in 2008.

In 2006, Cohen founded the firm CGI+, then known as Cohen & Associates to invest in multifamily and retail properties in Southern California. In arguably one of the most difficult periods of economic decline in the United States, Cohen successfully led the syndication of retail, industrial and residential real estate located primarily in Southern California generating growing AUM to $2 billion. In 2012, Gidi honed the firm’s investment thesis to focus on multifamily assets and expanded the geographic footprint by making it first significant investments outside of California with the acquisition of a broken condo project in Atlanta, GA and a multifamily community in Orlando, FL.

Born and raised in Israel, lived in Australia, and moved to the United States in 1991. Cohen is a father of 4 (Liah, Maya, Amit, and Aitan), and a current resident of Bel Air, California.

Cohen is a member of ISC, Stand with Us, Stand by Me, Jewish Federation, AIPAC, and Verbum Dei Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program.

ZION PERETS

Managing Partner, Chief Financial Officer

Zion Perets joined CGI+ in 2012 and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Partner. Perets oversees the financial, accounting and portfolio affairs of CGI+ and contributes to the development of the company’s strategic goals. Prior to joining CGI+, Perets served as the Director of Finance at one of Israel’s largest insurance companies. Perets received his bachelor’s degree in Law and Economics from Tel Aviv University, a Master of Law degree from UCLA School of Law, and an MBA from the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University. He is also a lawyer in Israel.

MICHAEL WILSON

Chief Legal Counsel

Michael Wilson, raised in Los Angeles, is General Counsel for CGI+ handling all transaction processes, tenant issues, entity and deal structures, risk management, insurance, lawsuit and claims and general support to all departments. Prior to his time at CGI+, Wilson was real estate defense attorney and utilized his previous real estate broker’s license, allowing for him to build practical experience in risk management and real estate transactions. Michael Wilson has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management along with his Juris Doctor degree.

ANDRE SOROUDI

Executive Vice President Acquisitions & Development – West Coast

Andre Soroudi oversees both the west coast acquisitions and development divisions for CGI+. His responsibilities include sourcing of investment opportunities, negotiating deal structures and terms, evaluating and establishing business plans for each project, transaction execution, managing the pre-construction development process, equity/debt raising, and dispositions. At CGI+, Soroudi has overseen over $1B in asset/land acquisitions and construction projects. Previously, Soroudi worked with G.H. Palmer Associates where he worked on the acquisition and development of over 3,000 apartment units in Southern California with total development budgets exceeding $750 million. He is a triple graduate of the University of Southern California with an MBA, MRED and BA in Business Administration.

CODY WALKER

Vice President of Acquisitions – Southeast

Cody Walker joined CGI+ in 2022 and runs all acquisition activities for the Southeast, Mid Atlantic, and Texas Regions. Before joining CGI+, he served as the Director of Acquisitions for a large nationally recognized private equity firm that capitalized over $1.3B in multifamily real estate. Cody also worked for an institutional family office to acquire and develop multifamily and hospitality assets across the US. Cody received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the AB Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University, where he was a scholarship member of the D-1 men’s golf program.

David Estrada

Vice President, Ground Up Construction

David Estrada is the Vice President of Ground-Up Construction for CGI+. He is primary focused on overseeing the CGI+ ground-up developments from pre-construction through construction and handover to the management team. He is responsible for project development, construction management, contractor relationships, project scheduling, budget management, and consultant coordination. He is a double graduate at the University of Southern California with a MS and BS in Electrical Engineering.

VIDA BAUTISTA

Senior Vice President of Accounting

Vida Bautista is the Senior Vice President of Accounting at CGI+. Under her leadership, she has transformed the operations which have become incredibly sustainable and efficient. Prior to joining CGI+, Vida worked at The Ezralow Company serving as Vice President of Accounting Operations where she successfully streamlined the accounting process geared towards a paperless system, spearheaded the company’s annual employee conference, and was instrumental to the company’s technology development. She graduated cum laude with a BSBA major in Accounting from the University of the East in the Philippines. She was a Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines. When not busy at work, Vida loves spending time at home and traveling the world.

CYNTHIA CRUZ

Vice President of Human Resources

Cynthia Cruz is the Vice President of Human Resources at CGI+. Cynthia is responsible for the human resources operations, benefits administration, employee relations, full-cycle recruitment, and administration for the organization. Cynthia has over 15 years of experience in operations management, and human resources collaborating with companies in the medical, manufacturing and finance industries. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and she is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management. In her free time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world.

Michelle Kuper

VP of Asset Management

With more than two decades of experience in the real estate industry, Michelle Kuper is a highly dynamic and accomplished professional. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to excel in managing large property portfolios, especially in challenging markets. Her expertise spans across various regions, including Florida, Atlanta, Colorado, Texas, and Southern California.

Michelle’s extensive background includes occupying key roles in operations, sales, and revenue management. Her breadth of knowledge covers a diverse range of building types and brands, such as market rate, high-rise, mid-rise, garden-style, rent control, affordable housing, new construction, redevelopment, and mixed-use properties.

For a significant period of her career, Michelle contributed immensely to AvalonBay, where she spent 24 years. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in overseeing several successful new construction and redevelopment projects. Notably, she was responsible for devising market-level strategies for a portfolio of approximately 5,000 units and indirectly influencing 20,000 units.

Michelle’s contributions extended beyond day-to-day operations. She actively participated in corporate initiatives aimed at enhancing property performance, improving operations, enriching the customer experience, and fostering associate engagement. Her exceptional skills in maximizing operational efficiencies and strategic planning have been central to her success in the industry. Michelle’s contributions extended far beyond the usual operations. She actively engaged in corporate initiatives, striving to enhance property performance, optimize operations, elevate the customer experience, and foster associate engagement. Her exceptional skills in maximizing operational efficiencies and strategic planning have been the backbone of her industry success.

Michelle also served on various advisory boards, including the California Apartment Association and Old Town Pasadena Management. This further showcases her dedication and influence within the real estate community. Michelle graduated with an interior design degree from the Philippine School of Interior Design.

MARK E. COHEN

Managing Partner – Southeast

Mark Cohen, from Milton, GA, has been with Gidi Cohen and CGI+ from the start. Originally the Director of Acquisitions and Financing for Cohen & Associates, Cohen has brought his talent and skills for sourcing, underwriting, and managing construction and commercial real estate loans to CGI+. With his unparalleled ability to find and analyze real estate investment opportunities, Cohen leads the Southeast Region for CGI+ as Managing Partner. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.

Matthew Keenen

Vice President, Development

Matthew Keenen is the Director of Land Acquisitions for San Diego and Orange County. From Portland to Irvine to New York City, he has national expertise in land acquisitions and financial modeling. With more than 10 years of experience, he has managed a $500M pipeline of projects and has been involved in the acquisition, entitlement, and development of over 3,000 units across single family homes, townhomes and apartments. He received his bachelor’s degree in his hometown of Portland at Portland State University and earned his master’s degree in real estate development at USC. He is passionate about traveling the world and can often be found spending time outdoors and backpacking.

Timothy Kim

Director of Finance

Timothy Kim, a Los Angeles native, currently serves as Director of Finance for CGI+. He is responsible for financial planning & analysis, strategic growth, business development, and execution of debt and equity financing for the firm’s existing portfolio and new acquisitions. Prior to joining CGI+, Mr. Kim worked for a local real estate investment firm as a Development Associate working with multiple asset classes. He started his career in banking after receiving his BS in Accounting and BS in Business Finance from the University of Southern California.

JUSTIN RUDER

Sr. Acquisitions Associate (West Coast)

Justin Ruder joined CGI+ strategies in 2020 as an Acquisitions and Development Associate. Ruder specializes in ground-up development projects and is responsible for sourcing, analyzing, and underwriting while working with the Director of Acquisitions to oversee the entitlement process. Prior to his role with CGI+, Ruder worked as a commercial land broker specializing in the sales and acquisition of commercial properties. His experience in the commercial development space, work ethic, and thirst for knowledge makes Ruder a true powerhouse member of the team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Wisconsin. In his free time, you’ll find him exploring the great outdoors or cheering on the Dodgers and Lakers.

ALLA KRUMER

VP of Construction Accounting Yardi Admin

Alla Krumer, born in Ukraine, is Vice President of Accounting, Construction for CGI+ overseeing all construction accounting and preparation of tax returns and compliance matters. With more than 25 years of experience, Krumer has worked in construction and accounting starting as an accounts payable clerk before quickly advancing. Prior to her time at CGI+, Krumer was a Controller at Griffin Real Estate Management, helping to prepare audit and project reports and implement and maintain all software systems. Alla Krumer has her Bachelor’s in Science in Accounting from California State University of Northridge. As a teenager, Krumer wanted to become a violinist and music teacher.