Barker Pacific Group (BPG), a privately held national real estate firm, has announced the unexpected passing of its CEO and founder, Michael Barker. At 80 years old, Barker passed away suddenly last month after falling while visiting Texas.
Mark Handin, BPG’s managing principal, expressed his condolences and praised Barker as a leader and innovator in the commercial real estate industry. He also acknowledged his own fortune in having learned from Barker during their 16-year working relationship. Handin stated that BPG will continue to honor Barker’s legacy by striving for continued success under his leadership.
In 1983, Los Angeles-based BPG was founded by Michael Barker himself. As CEO and managing partner of the company, he focused on acquiring pre-leased residential and commercial projects across California,
Arizona,
Texas,
and Florida
with an emphasis on development management.
Throughout his tenure at BPG , Bark er oversaw more than $3 .5 billion worth of commercial projects .
Prior to starting B PG , Bark er worked as an officer at Hines Interests where he led the development of over four million square feet o f office space in Tulsa , Houston ,
and San Antonio . He also co-founded asset management firm First Houston Trust Company in 1970 before serving as a lending officer for Citibank’s energy department from 1968 to 1970 .
Aside from being dedicated to building successful developments with B PG , M ichael Bark er was passionate about giving back through philanthropy work . In particular , h e served as chairman of t he board for John Tracy Center which serves hearing-impaired children . Additionally ,
he was actively involved with organizations such as Urban Land Institute (ULI) where he had been part o f th e Silver Council since joining ULI i n2013 ; Lincoln Club; Lambda Alpha International; Pacific Union Club;
El Dorado Country Club ;
The California Club ; Jonathan Club ; and The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin for many years.
