Profile

As a vertically integrated real estate platform, Ascendant is led by a managing partnership comprised of CEO Russell Gimelstob, Co-President & CIO Alex Halpern, and Co-President & COO Eric Calder, which has collectively acquired and developed more than $20 billion of real estate assets. Founded on the basis of creating a more investor-friendly and specialized format of real estate investing, the firm has built a team of sector-level specialists across its three operating verticals, and relies on continuous, cross-pollenating dialogue with its limited partners.

Russell Gimelstob
Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Prior to founding Ascendant Capital Partners, Russell Gimelstob was Head of Acquisitions, Partner, Managing Director and Member of the Investment Committee of Dune Real Estate Partners, a manager of real estate private equity funds. Russell previously represented Ascendant on the board of Watermark Lodging Trust.

Continue Reading

Alex Halpern
Co-Founder, Co-President, and Chief Investment Officer

Alex Halpern is responsible for the oversight of Ascendant's investment activities, as well as the day-to-day management of the platform's hospitality, and select residential investments. Alex represented Ascendant on the board of Watermark Lodging Trust, is an active board member of Sentral, and is a board observer of DC Blox.

Continue Reading

Eric Calder
Partner, Co-President, and Chief Operating Officer

Prior to joining Ascendant Capital Partners, Eric Calder was the Co-Chief Investment Officer of Dune Real Estate Partners, a New York City-based real estate investment firm. At Dune, he was a member of the firm’s Investment Committee and led over $6 billion in transactions across the residential, retail, industrial, office and hospitality sectors.

Continue Reading

Ascendant has put together a world-class team of diverse individuals, each with an impressive background and knowledge base. Through close collaboration, we are able to continue to expand our services into new markets and locations across the globe.

Zach Gallin

Chief of Staff, Investor Relations

Zachary Gallin serves as the leadership team's Chief of Staff, with a primary focus on capital raising and team development.

Dajana Cvijanovic

Executive Assistant

David Snell
Senior Advisor, Hospitality Operations

Mr. Snell serves as Senior Advisor, Hospitality Operations for the Ascendant team and has over forty years of hospitality experience.

Prior to serving as Senior Advisor to Ascendant Capital Partners, Mr. Snell was a Senior Vice President at Highgate Hotels, where over twelve years, the company grew from three hotels to over 80 properties.

Prior to Highgate, Mr. Snell was a Vice President of Development for Accor North America. Mr. Snell was directly responsible for the development of the Washington DC Sofitel and the Montreal Sofitel, in addition to handling the disposition of the last three Novotel Hotels in North America.

Mr. Snell began his professional career with Fairmont Hotels, including opening the Fairmont Chicago as Chief Concierge. Mr. Snell graduated with Honors from Northwestern University (Bachelor of Arts) as well as attended Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration (Master of Professional Studies).