Hamid R. Moghadam: Architect of the Modern Logistics Real Estate Landscape

Hamid R. Moghadam, co-founder and CEO of Prologis, stands as a transformative figure in the global real estate sector. His visionary leadership has not only redefined industrial real estate but also positioned Prologis as a cornerstone of global commerce.

Born in Tehran in 1956, Moghadam was introduced to real estate through his father's ventures in development, banking, and offshore drilling. At 14, he attended Aiglon College in Switzerland, and by 16, he was at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in engineering. He later obtained an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1980.

The Iranian Revolution disrupted his plans to return home, and during the 1979 hostage crisis, he narrowly avoided deportation from the U.S., an experience that underscored his resilience.

In 1983, Moghadam co-founded AMB Property Corporation, initially focusing on offices and retail centers. Anticipating the rise of e-commerce, he shifted the company's focus to logistics real estate, selling off retail assets and investing in warehouses.

This strategic pivot culminated in the 2011 merger of AMB with ProLogis, forming the world's largest logistics real estate company. Under Moghadam's leadership, Prologis expanded its portfolio to over 1.3 billion square feet across 20 countries.

Moghadam's influence reshaped the U.S. real estate landscape:

Redefining Industrial Spaces: He transformed warehouses from basic storage units into critical infrastructure for global supply chains.

Urban Development: Prologis's facilities near major urban centers facilitated faster delivery times, influencing urban planning and development.

Economic Contribution: With a significant portion of global GDP flowing through Prologis facilities, the company's role in the economy is substantial.

Moghadam's contributions to the real estate industry have been widely recognized. He received the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Overall Award in 2013 and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Harvard Business Review has consistently ranked him among the top-performing CEOs globally.

As Moghadam prepares to retire at the end of 2025, his legacy is firmly established. His strategic vision and adaptability have not only propelled Prologis to the forefront of logistics real estate but have also set new standards for the industry. His journey from Tehran to the helm of a global enterprise exemplifies the impact of visionary leadership in shaping the built environment.