How Jon Paul Pérez Is Leading Related Group Into a Bold New Era

When Jon Paul Pérez stepped into the role of CEO at Related Group, he wasn’t just inheriting a title—he was assuming the stewardship of a legacy nearly half a century in the making. For 45 years, his father, Jorge M. Pérez, transformed the skyline of Miami and reshaped entire communities through architecture, culture, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Now, Jon Paul is building on that foundation with a future-forward vision rooted in excellence and evolution. He describes it as “an incredible honor to step into this role,” noting that his father built “a remarkable legacy—not only in the scale and quality of what Related has delivered, but in how he’s used development to elevate communities and power local economies.” That guiding philosophy remains, but Jon Paul brings with him a new lens—one focused on adaptability and generational growth.

Market Maker, Vision Shaper

While honoring the past, Pérez is forging his own path forward. “Like my father before me, I aim to lead as a market maker,” he says, adding that the goal is “to stay ahead of the curve—driving bold, transformative projects that reshape urban landscapes and improve communities for generations.” That approach is already evident in Related Group’s geographic and product diversification. Rather than simply following the market, Related continues to anticipate where it’s going.

In cities like Pompano Beach and Hillsboro Beach, Related has led the way with landmark developments including the W Pompano Beach Hotel & Residences, Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach, and Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach. Pérez emphasizes that “we’re focused on expanding thoughtfully,” whether in the luxury segment or workforce housing. “Success means building a well-rounded portfolio that speaks to a wide range of end-users—from first-time homeowners to buyers seeking a third or fourth home.”

Art as Architecture of the Soul

For decades, Related has stood apart for its fusion of art, lifestyle, and design—a legacy Pérez has no plans to change. “We’ll keep commissioning world-class art across our projects,” he says, often drawing from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection. “Cultural assets like this give each space a distinct identity and soul. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of and will keep pursuing.” This philosophy is more than aesthetic; it’s experiential.

“Art isn’t just decoration—it’s a curated experience,” he explains. “It helps us shape spaces that connect people to local culture and elevate the everyday.” Art has become a signature of Related’s developments, shaping the character of buildings and offering residents something deeper than luxury—storytelling. Pérez adds, “It has a way of telling stories that might otherwise go untold, and of giving people something to rally around.” That impact, he says, is something Related will continue to lean into.

Branded Residences, Elevated Lifestyles

One of Related’s most defining growth areas is branded residences, which Pérez believes offer a compelling value proposition to today’s global buyer. “At the Waldorf Astoria Pompano Beach, for example, our buyers are loyal to that brand. They get to experience the same lifestyle and services they already love,” he says. “It’s a powerful point of attraction.” These residences don’t just carry luxury logos—they deliver five-star services, exclusive amenities, and seamless, resort-style living with the privacy of ownership.

Pérez notes that “when choosing a brand partner, we seek those who match our drive for excellence and elevate the experience with something truly unique to buyers.” The goal is to create more than just beautiful buildings—it’s about cultivating emotional connection and authentic identity. “It’s not just about prestige—it’s about integrating the brand into the local fabric,” he says. With nearly 20 branded collaborations—including the St. Regis Resort and Residences at Bahia Mar, Viceroy Residences Aventura, and Rosewood Residences Hillsboro Beach—Related continues to redefine what it means to live under a luxury banner.

Icon Beach and the Rise of Hollywood

Nowhere is Related’s vision more apparent than in Icon Beach, its newest boutique waterfront development in Hollywood, Florida. Pérez sees Hollywood as the next great chapter in South Florida’s evolution. “Hollywood has the same untapped potential we saw in Wynwood or Tampa before their booms,” he explains. “We’ve been in this market for over a decade, and Icon Beach is our way of shaping its next chapter.” The project aims to offer something the market hasn’t seen: a luxury, lifestyle-driven tower that balances intimacy with vibrancy.

With more than 40,000 square feet of amenities—including a private marina, beach club, wellness center, and outdoor cinema—Icon Beach is designed to honor the location’s natural beauty while delivering the sophistication of a world-class resort. “It’s about delivering something that feels intimate and elevated but also full of life,” Pérez says. The area’s appeal, he adds, lies in its dual identity. “Hollywood offers the best of both worlds—big city access with the feel of a laid-back coastal community.” As infrastructure, culture, and luxury offerings expand, Related is helping shape Hollywood into a standalone destination.

Leading With Legacy and Perspective

Raised in a world of design, ambition, and urban reinvention, Jon Paul Pérez has seen firsthand what it takes to build lasting impact. But beyond bricks and mortar, it’s the values he absorbed from his father that continue to influence his leadership. “He taught me that great developers don’t follow trends—they create them. And that no matter the odds, you never back down from a challenge,” he says. Those lessons now guide him as he balances bold moves with community impact.

One project that stands out for him is the $2 billion St. Regis Resort and Residences at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale—a transformative undertaking more than a decade in the making. “Set on 40 acres of land and water, it’s going to have everything from a flagship St. Regis hotel and private beach club to branded residences, fine dining, and a mega yacht marina,” Pérez says. “What makes it special isn’t just the scale—it’s the opportunity to help shape the future of Fort Lauderdale.”

Advice to the Next Generation

For those just entering the development world, Pérez emphasizes the importance of breadth and humility. “Real estate can be tough—late nights, big risks, high stakes—but it’s also one of the most fulfilling careers if you love building things that matter,” he says. His advice is to gain as much cross-functional experience as possible. “Development is multidisciplinary, and the best developers I know started by understanding every piece—sales, financing, construction, operations.”

He credits a formative chapter of his career to working outside of Related. “Before I joined Related full-time, my father insisted I go work for another company, and it was one of the most valuable experiences of my career,” he says. “It gave me a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for what makes a development truly successful.”

In a field that demands both creativity and pragmatism, Jon Paul Pérez stands at the intersection of legacy and leadership. “Ultimately, every development is a chance to create something that goes beyond just a place to live,” he says. “We’re building experiences that foster connection and leave a lasting imprint. That’s what my father taught me, and that’s what I plan to carry forward.”