Ward Fitzgerald is the CEO and founder of ExCorde Capital, a private equity firm specializing in real estate debt and equity markets. With decades of experience, Ward is a recognized leader known for innovation, strategic vision, and delivering value.

In 2006, Ward founded Exeter Property Group, growing it into one of the world’s largest real estate investment firms. Under his leadership, Exeter managed over $30 billion in equity commitments, partnering with institutional investors from more than 25 countries. Operating in 53 cities globally, Exeter delivered industry-leading returns before its acquisition by EQT AB in 2021 for nearly $2 billion.

Prior to Exeter, Ward was a senior executive at Rouse/Liberty Property Trust, a $7 billion publicly traded REIT. He led the company’s IPO in 1994, establishing Liberty as a prominent player in real estate. With expertise across logistics, office/life sciences, multifamily, and cold storage, Ward has consistently excelled in diverse asset classes.

Ward is deeply committed to philanthropy. He serves as President of the Board of Trustees for The Papal Foundation and sits on the Board of The National Centre for Padre Pio, and the Catholic Leadership Institute. He is also a Trustee for The Catholic University of America’s Board and additionally Ward chairs the Institute of Real Estate at the University of Notre Dame.

Ward supports Jefferson University Hospital’s Neurology Institute, Project HOME, and its Inn of Amazing Mercy, aiding Philadelphia’s homeless and those affected by addiction, and World Villages, a leader in third world countries combating child sexual abuse and trafficking.

Ward holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife, Kathy, are proud parents of three children pursuing impactful careers in mental health, real estate, and private equity.