Steven Levin, long-time founder and CEO of Centennial, announced plans to retire on June 30 and will be succeeded by President Paul Kurzawa. Levin will continue in an advisory capacity over the next 12 months to help ensure a seamless leadership transition and will continue entrusting Centennial with the management of his portfolio properties, including The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, as he remains active in the industry.
Centennial, a part of Lincoln Property Company, is a national retail real estate owner and operator overseeing more than 25 million square feet of retail and mixed-use destinations across 18 states. In addition to investing in and operating its own portfolio, the company provides a full-service property management and advisory platform serving institutional and private owners nationwide. Levin founded Centennial in 1997.
“Growing Centennial into a respected leader in retail real estate has been a joy and a privilege over the past 30 years, and I have tremendous confidence in Paul Kurzawa and our executive team as they lead the organization forward into the next chapter,” said Levin. “This is not farewell by any means. I remain deeply passionate about this industry and excited for what lies ahead.”
Kurzawa joined the Centennial team as president in 2024, contributing deep industry expertise across lifestyle, open-air and enclosed retail environments as well as extensive operating acumen honed by decades of international multi-asset and multi-discipline experience. Previous companies include The Blackstone Group, Equity Office Properties, DreamWorks Animation, Westfield Corporation, Caruso and, most recently, CenterCal Properties.
Earlier that year, Levin facilitated Lincoln’s strategic investment in Centennial’s operating business, formalizing the entities’ history of collaboration and shared vision for the future of retail real estate.
“It is an honor to lead this exceptional organization and build upon the strong foundation Steven has established over the past three decades,” said Kurzawa. “Our vision remains unchanged: to be the retail real estate industry’s most trusted partner and operator. With the continued support of Lincoln Property Company and the passion and expertise of our talented team, Centennial is exceptionally well-positioned to continue transforming properties into vibrant destinations that create long-term value for the communities, partners and consumers we serve.”
