Cohen & Steers General Counsel to Retire Q1 2027 After 40-Year Career
Francis C. Poli, Cohen & Steers’ General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, will retire in Q1 2027 after a 40-year career, including 20 years at the firm. Deputy General Counsel Brian W. Heller, hired in 2018 and promoted in January 2025, will succeed Poli on the executive committee.
1. Francis C. Poli Retirement
Francis C. Poli, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Cohen & Steers, will retire in the first quarter of 2027 after 40 years in financial services, including 20 years with the firm.
2. Brian W. Heller Succession
Brian W. Heller, who joined Cohen & Steers in 2018 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel and was promoted to Deputy General Counsel in January 2025, will succeed Poli and join the executive committee.
3. Succession Planning Process
The firm identified Heller as Poli’s successor in 2024 through its long-term succession planning process, reflecting a multi-year strategy to ensure leadership continuity in its legal and compliance department.
4. Impact on Governance and Culture
Poli established a world-class legal and compliance team with strong corporate governance, and Heller’s elevation signals continuity in counsel leadership and potential reinforcement of the firm’s ethical and regulatory frameworks.