UVic Properties announces new CEO

The University of Victoria has appointed Peter Kuran to lead the restructured management of its non-academic real estate properties, including the Vancouver Island Technology Park and Swans Hotel and Brew Pub. As UVic Properties CEO, Kuran’s mandate will include continuing the tradition of successful stewardship set by Janina Ceglarz, who will retire in 2014 as President and CEO of Heritage Realty Property.

“We’re excited to have Peter Kuran bring his extraordinary experience to join the UVic team, at the same time as we are saddened to know we will soon have to say goodbye to Janina Ceglarz, whose unparalleled dedication and vision has made such a meaningful contribution to the university and to the community,” says Gayle Gorrill, UVic’s vice-president of finance and operations.

Kuran has a diverse background of commercial real estate and hospitality management expertise, exceptional strategic planning, as well as successful engagement initiatives and partnerships to foster creative solutions with community, corporate and First Nations groups. He was most recently deputy general manager with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, where he was responsible for a significant commercial real estate portfolio. Prior to that, he was Director of Commercial Services at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Polytechnic in Calgary and Director of Commercial Services for the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto.

“The portfolio that comprises UVic Properties is in a great position and we will ensure the holdings continue to be managed consistent with the university’s core mission and for those that were donated, the wishes of donors who entrusted us with them,” says Kuran. “I’ll be doing my utmost to carry on the commitment to the community that is well-established and widely recognized.”

Ceglarz’s leadership at Heritage Realty Property, which includes Swans and other downtown properties, ensured business continued successfully following the passing of UVic benefactor Michael Williams. Over the past 12 years, Williams’ legacy’s significant financial contribution to the university has grown substantially, directly supporting academic initiatives in areas about which Williams was passionate.

“I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to step back, which has been difficult since Swans, the downtown properties and everyone involved with the Michael Williams legacy are so important to me, and this seems to be just the right time,” says Ceglarz. “I anticipate a very smooth transition and think Peter Kuran is an excellent choice and will be an exceptional steward for all of UVic’s properties, including those downtown.”

UVic Properties includes management of: Heritage Realty Property, which includes 170,000 square feet of downtown residential and commercial property bequeathed to the university by Michael Williams; 191,000 square feet at the Vancouver Island Technology Park and 40,000 square feet at the Marine Technology Park; and other off-campus holdings such as the Queenswood and Dunsmuir sites.

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