Laura Clark

Laura Clark didn’t exactly step into the top role at Rexford Industrial Realty during the easy part of the cycle.

Clark took over as CEO on April 1, 2026, succeeding the company’s co-founders, as Southern California’s industrial real estate market worked through falling rents and elevated vacancy — and as Rexford undertook perhaps the most dramatic strategic shifts in its history. The former acquisitions machine entered 2026 focused instead on preserving occupancy, recycling capital and improving efficiency.

Rexford nevertheless completed more than 6 million square feet of leasing in the first half of the year, a 50 percent jump compared to the same period last year. And after the second quarter, Clark raised the company’s property sales target for “non-core assets” to as much as $2 billion in 2026.

The real estate investment trust also recently agreed to sell a $1.2 billion Southern California industrial portfolio to EQT Real Estate. Including that deal, Rexford had closed about $1.5 billion of property sales by the start of September.

“We’ve moved very swiftly and decisively this year,” Clark said. “We’ve advanced our strategic priorities. We announced a transformative portfolio realignment, and we’ve continued to improve operational efficiencies.” 

Clark may also be steering Rexford out of the market downturn. She said tenant demand has improved, with positive net absorption and declining vacancy. Meanwhile, construction remains at multi-decade lows. 

“I believe that positions Southern California as one of the most supply-constrained industrial markets in the nation, and in the years ahead,” she said.

Clark’s path to the top included roles spanning capital markets, equity research, finance and operations before joining Rexford as chief financial officer in 2020 and becoming chief operating officer in 2024. And taking the helm during a challenging cycle has strengthened her confidence.

“The first six months have reinforced a belief that I have always had,” Clark said, “that great companies are built upon great teams and execution.”