William “Bill” Hecht

Real Estate Executive | Urban Development Strategist | Mixed-Use & Infrastructure Leader

William “Bill” Hecht is a highly accomplished real estate executive with over 30 years of experience leading large-scale, mixed-use, retail, and infrastructure developments across the United States. Known for his strategic vision and operational excellence, Bill has held senior leadership roles in both public and private real estate firms, consistently delivering multi-billion-dollar projects that shape communities and drive long-term value.

As former Chief Executive Officer of Stronach Properties, Bill led multidisciplinary teams across California, Florida, and Maryland, overseeing the master planning and development of over 1,000 acres, integrating entertainment, residential, and commercial uses often while preserving live thoroughbred racing operations.

Previously, Bill served as Chief Operating Officer of Westfield U.S., where he managed $1.1 billion in NOI and led over $10 billion in development. He directed operations for 1,300 employees nationwide, spearheaded airport retail programs in eight major U.S. airports, launched a luxury residential pipeline of over 6,000 units, and founded the company’s Entertainment Group. His leadership was instrumental in landmark projects, including the World Trade Center and Century City.

Earlier in his career at Westfield, Bill served as Senior Executive Vice President of both Development and Leasing, entitling and executing more than $5 billion in projects and overseeing the acquisition and redevelopment of over 40 department store locations. He also held senior positions at The Rouse Company and Shopco Management, with early experience as a commercial broker in New York City.

In addition to his corporate roles, Bill currently serves as a Commissioner on the Board of the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, helping to shape affordable housing strategies and community development in the region.

He was also Co-Chair of the Cristo Rey Charleston Launch Committee, a member of the Executive Board of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the LA 2028 Olympic Committee. Bill was active in several industry organizations, including ICSC and NAIOP, and was a former leader of the Westfield Veterans Group.

He holds a B.S. in Economics from Colgate University and completed advanced real estate studies at NYU.