Jake Kramer is a senior managing director on the debt team and is responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and managing the portfolio of commercial real estate debt.
Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Kramer was head of commercial real estate for American Equity Life Insurance Co. (NYSE: “AEL”) where he oversaw the origination and portfolio management of debt and equity investments including direct lending ($500MM+ annually) and JV partnerships. Kramer previously spent five years as senior vice president at Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: “STWD”) where he originated and structured commercial real estate debt investments. Prior positions include CMBS capital markets roles at Five Mile Capital and RBS Greenwich Capital.
Kramer earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Brown University.
Bill Lewittes is head of loan origination for the debt platform and is responsible for sourcing and underwriting direct lending opportunities.
Prior to joining the firm 2010, Lewittes was responsible for the origination, analysis, underwriting, financing, deal structuring and execution of investment strategies for KA Real Estate’s student housing and multifamily portfolio. In addition, Lewittes actively participated in the due diligence and underwriting for Kayne Anderson’s medical office and seniors housing acquisitions. Prior thereto, he spent five years at Enterprise Asset Management, Inc., a New York City-based family office focused on real estate investments, where he oversaw investment activities and portfolio operations.
Lewittes earned a B.A. in Government from Lafayette College.
Andrew Smith is co-portfolio manager for the debt platform and is responsible for sourcing, underwriting, acquiring and managing the portfolio of commercial real estate related debt and securities.
Prior to joining the firm in 2014, Smith was a portfolio manager and founding partner of Aqua Investment Management (“Aqua”) (subsequently portfolio manager at Exigent Capital Management, which acquired Aqua). He previously served as vice president and senior securities analyst for Dividend Capital Group, where he underwrote and analyzed potential real estate loans, commercial mortgage backed securities, CRE CDO and equity investments. Prior positions Smith held include senior analyst for Newcastle Investment Corp (NYSE: NCT) and associate in the structured finance CMBS group at Ernst & Young, LLP.
Smith earned a B.S. with concentration in Finance from Cornell University.