Richard A.C. Coles stands at the forefront of institutional real estate investing as Founder & Managing Partner of Vanbarton Group, one of New York’s most respected real estate investment and asset-management firms. With decades of experience guiding strategic acquisitions and overseeing complex portfolios, Coles has helped steer Vanbarton’s disciplined investment approach through cycles of change and opportunity.
Under his leadership, Vanbarton has deployed capital across a range of commercial and mixed-use assets, balancing long-term value creation with thoughtful asset stewardship. Coles’s deep understanding of market dynamics — from sourcing acquisition opportunities to crafting asset management strategies — has made him a trusted voice among institutional investors and industry peers alike.
A seasoned dealmaker and strategic thinker, Coles also lends his expertise to the broader real estate community. He serves on multiple industry committees and has previously held trustee roles with leading nonprofit organizations focused on housing and conservation, underscoring his commitment to civic impact beyond the balance sheet.
Now more than ever, with capital flows and market fundamentals in flux, Richard A.C. Coles’s perspective on investment strategy and real estate’s evolving role in institutional portfolios provides invaluable insight. Join us to hear firsthand how one of real estate’s most experienced investors navigates today’s opportunities and challenges.
The Salon Series is sponsored by our friends at Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau.
Founder and Managing Partner, Vanbarton Group
Richard is a Founder and Managing Partner of Vanbarton Group. He plays a key role in developing the firm's investment strategy, as well as sourcing acquisition opportunities and overseeing the firm's asset management strategies. Richard is a member of Vanbarton Group's Management Committee, Investment Committee, Portfolio Strategy and Valuations Committee, and Investment Strategy Committee. He was a National Trustee of The Enterprise Foundation, the nation's leading non-profit provider of affordable housing. In addition, Richard was a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy. He is an active member of the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA) and the Partnership for New York City. Richard holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
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