Leadership at pier 4
Meet Our Leaders
Get to know the faces behind our operation and discover the dedicated people that set us apart in the world of real estate. Our team members bring commitment and enthusiasm to every endeavor, ensuring its success. Learn about their backgrounds, experiences, and the shared vision that unites us.
Senior Management
Led by an established leadership, our senior management team is the foundation of Pier 4’s success. Our leaders oversee the highest level of operations, diligently steering the company towards excellence in its industry. Their depth of experience and expertise sets the industry standard and motivates the entire organization to reach new heights.

Darrell Ashby
Chairman & Co-Founder
Darrell Ashby is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Pier 4. He is responsible for corporate decisions, managing short and long-term financial and operational goals, while maintaining corporate development. Darrell has over 40 years of real estate and asset management experience, combined with 38 years of general contracting experience. Prior to founding Pier 4, Darrell successfully owned and managed a real estate portfolio throughout Canada and the United States, alongside owning and operating his general contracting business. Darrell's exceptional skills include strategic planning, financial management, and operational leadership.

Adam Ashby
CEO & Co-Founder
Adam Ashby is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pier 4. He plays a pivotal role in establishing and executing strategic direction and asset management for the company, demonstrating exceptional leadership and management skills. His expertise focuses on strategic planning, asset management, and investment strategies. Prior to founding Pier 4, Adam's professional background encompassed commodities trading, property management, and investment management. He is a graduate of the University of Western Economics program and he has completed the Exempt Market Proficiency Course (EMP) through IFSE.

Michael Ashby
CFO & Co-Founder
Michael Ashby is the Chief Financial Officer and Co-founder of Pier 4. He manages all financial operations within the company, taking charge of strategic planning and risk assessment, demonstrating his outstanding financial management abilities. Michael's expertise extends to honing debt and equity strategies for optimal performance. Prior to joining Pier 4, Michael worked for both public and private real estate funds and other lending institutions. He holds an Honours Economics Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and has a Master’s in Economics from the University of Ottawa.

Darren Gazdag
Vice President, Sales
Darren is the Vice President of Sales at Pier 4, where he applies over two decades of expertise in financial sales. His primary responsibilities include spearheading business development initiatives and nurturing investor relations within the investment advisor channel. Darren is committed to enhancing client experiences and delivering superior private equity solutions that ensure exceptional returns. His efforts are key to driving Pier 4's strategic objectives in the advisor community.

Jean-Daniel Methot
Vice President, Sales
JD Méthot is Vice President of Sales at Pier 4, where he leads investor relationships and distribution across Eastern Canada. With more than a decade of experience in private equity and financial services, JD brings a client-first approach and strong industry insight to supporting advisors and investors. A former financial advisor himself, he understands the needs of both sides and focuses on building lasting partnerships. JD holds an MBA from International Business University and is fluent in both English and French.

Eli Kraus
Vice President, Asset Management
Eli Kraus is the Vice President of Asset Management at Pier 4, bringing over 15 years of experience in the institutional real estate sector. He leads the team responsible for driving strategic initiatives that enhance asset performance and overall portfolio value. Prior to joining Pier 4, Eli held senior roles at a prominent real estate investment and advisory firm, where he focused on asset management and development within the multi-family residential sector. Eli holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Real Estate, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from York University.

Paul Holowaty
Vice President, Property Operation
Paul Holowaty is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in property management. He has been involved in the development and management of more than 150 properties across seven provinces, with a combined market value exceeding $5 billion. Paul’s diverse experience spans student housing, hospitality, commercial, and purpose-built multi-residential properties. He played a key role in growing a small regional company into Canada’s largest private manager of student housing. Paul is a strong advocate for exceptional customer service and operational efficiency, bringing a customer-centric approach to every project. Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph.

Geoff Zylich
Vice President, National Accounts
Geoff Zylich is Vice President of National Accounts at Pier 4, where he leads the development of new partnerships with investment dealers and strengthens existing relationships across the country. With a background in both public and private real estate fund management, Geoff brings deep industry knowledge and a strategic mindset to expanding Pier 4’s reach. He also plays a key role in enhancing investor transparency through the creation of comprehensive due diligence materials. Prior to joining Pier 4, Geoff held roles in product approval at a CIRO dealer and in capital markets at a real estate investment firm.

Janet Bray
Director, Human Resources
Janet Bray is the Director of Human Resources at Pier 4. She is a true advocate for the success of Pier 4 and the team. She has a demonstrated ability to translate organizational needs into practical strategies, building capabilities, effectiveness, and employee engagement. Developing and implementing effective leadership, talent and people initiatives that align with the business goals and strategy, ultimately supporting our success. Everyday working to enhance our company culture to ensure our team and our business thrives. Prior to joining Pier 4, Janet led teams in the financial services sector in Human Resources, Marketing and Product Management. Janet has a Masters in Human Resources from Cornell University and is a member of the Human Resources Professionals Association.

Jake Levy | REIT
Director, Finance
Jake Levy is the Director, Finance at Pier 4 REIT. He oversees the accounting and financial activity of the REIT, showcasing his proficiency in financial management and accounting. Prior to joining Pier 4 REIT, Jake gained experience in public accounting, specializing in auditing and accounting advisory services, further honing his financial skills. He holds an Honours Commerce Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Guelph. Jake is also a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, underlining his years of experience and expertise in the field.

Scott Rogers
Senior Manager, Fund Operations
Scott Rogers, Fund Operations Senior Manager at Pier 4, leverages years of experience from the world’s largest custodian bank where he spent several years as a Fund Accounting Manager. At Pier 4, he uses his expertise to drive innovation and enhance operations by integrating technology, establishing efficient processes, and mitigating risks. His focus on compliance and regulatory adherence, combined with a commitment to improving investor and client experiences, ensures that Pier 4’s operations are both cutting-edge and aligned with industry best practices.