HilltopSecurities Welcomes Creig Veldhuizen to Debt Capital Markets Team in Denver
HilltopSecurities recently welcomed Managing Director Creig Veldhuizen as an investment banker in its Debt Capital Markets division in Denver. He will focus on providing comprehensive financial solutions for clients in the real estate and land development industry.
Veldhuizen brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services and real estate development to his new role. He joins HilltopSecurities from Piper Sandler, where he led growth initiatives for the company’s Colorado metropolitan district municipal advisory and underwriting business. He has also served for more than 15 years as managing director of capital markets and partner at Terra Causa Capital, a Denver-based real estate development services company.
“HilltopSecurities is in a strong position to deliver a full suite of investment banking services for real estate and land development clients across the state of Colorado,” Veldhuizen said. “Whether raising equity, private debt, or tax-exempt debt, we are able to partner with clients to provide a range of solutions tailored to their specific needs. I’m excited to have the opportunity to join such an innovative and respected firm.”
A Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder, Veldhuizen is a member of the CFA Institute, CFA Society of Colorado, and the Homebuilders’ Association of Colorado. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
“As a full-service municipal investment bank, HilltopSecurities continues to grow our Debt Capital Markets division and we’re proud to welcome Creig to our team,” said HilltopSecurities President and CEO Brad Winges. “With his deep experience and proven record of success, Creig brings unique insight into the real estate sector and will play an important role in our expansion.”
Stonebridge Companies Names Aly-khan S. Merali President and Managing Partner
Stonebridge Companies — a Denver-based, privately owned, innovative hotel owner, operator and developer — has named Aly-khan S. Merali as its new president and managing partner. Founder Navin C. Dimond will remain CEO and will assume chairman duties for the company.
Merali joins Stonebridge Companies after most recently serving as president and chief financial officer of Turnberry Associates, overseeing the company’s Finance, Asset Management, Accounting, Legal, Human Resources and Information Services departments.
“I have known Aly-khan for many years and have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead Stonebridge Companies as we move forward and continue to grow and prosper,” said Dimond. “His background and extensive experience in the hospitality industry is impressive and makes him a perfect fit for this role and for guiding and supporting our associates as we continue to provide Distinguished Hospitality™ to our guests.”
The real estate veteran of more than 20 years directed all capital activities, investments, joint ventures and divestitures relating to Turnberry’s multi-billion dollar portfolio of hospitality, retail and multifamily development projects. During his time with Turnberry, transactions in which Merali was involved totaled in excess of $7 billion.
He first joined Turnberry Associates in 2013 as executive vice president, chief investment officer for the national real estate development company.
“My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Stonebridge team and the greater Denver community,” said Merali. “We hold the Dimond family in high regard, and I sincerely believe that Stonebridge Companies is well positioned to weather this pandemic and emerge stronger and even more fortified in the time ahead. I’m looking forward to adding value to the various initiatives that are underway and to supporting the broader Stonebridge team and its stakeholders in achieving their goals.”
Prior to joining Turnberry, Merali was executive vice president and head of acquisitions for a U.S.-based investment firm with a portfolio of luxury assets spanning North America, Europe and the Caribbean. He’s also held leadership and ownership positions in real estate companies in the United Kingdom, Canada and East Africa with assets in hospitality, industrial, manufacturing, office and senior living.
“As we know, the entire hospitality industry, including our company and valued team members, has experienced profound challenges over the past several months,” added Dimond. “In times such as these, it is essential to have a forward-thinking and collaborative team, and I am confident that we are taking steps to set this team in place. I am extremely optimistic about the future of our company and I am looking forward to working with our team to guide Stonebridge’s continued success and growth now and far into the future.”
