Healthcare Realty Announces Chief Financial Officer Transition
Rhea-AI Summary
Healthcare Realty (NYSE: HR) named Daniel Gabbay as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 12, 2026. Mr. Gabbay joins from RBC Capital Markets where he covered the healthcare REIT sector and previously held senior roles at Barclays and Lehman Brothers, with advisory experience on major real estate combinations cited at $3 billion and $5 billion. The company said Austen Helfrich, who served as CFO since October 2024, will depart to pursue new opportunities. The announcement confirms no change to Healthcare Realty's previously issued 2025 Normalized FFO guidance. The CFO will be based at the Nashville headquarters.
Positive
- Experienced hire: Daniel Gabbay joins with ~20 years investment banking experience
- Relevant sector expertise: coverage of healthcare REITs at RBC
- Start date: CFO role effective Jan 12, 2026
- Guidance stability: No change to 2025 Normalized FFO guidance
Negative
- CFO turnover: Austen Helfrich departing after serving since Oct 2024
- Potential near-term transition risk from executive change
News Market Reaction – HR
On the day this news was published, HR gained 0.35%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
HR was up 1.3% ahead of the CFO news, while key healthcare REIT peers also traded higher: AHR +1.6%, CTRE +2.0%, SBRA +2.04%, MPW +4.95%, and NHI +0.42%. Scanner data did not flag a coordinated sector momentum move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | -0.2% | Raised 2025 Normalized FFO and NOI guidance with solid operating metrics. |
| Oct 14 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | -0.1% | Scheduled Q3 2025 results release and conference call logistics. |
| Oct 08 | ESG report release | Positive | +0.1% | Reported ESG gains including lower energy use and more green certifications. |
| Jul 31 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | +7.7% | Highlighted NOI growth, asset sales, leverage goals and guidance increase. |
| Jul 14 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | -0.9% | Announced Q2 2025 earnings release timing and access details. |
Major operational and guidance updates have drawn stronger reactions than routine communications, with one notable positive spike on a restructuring-focused earnings release.
Over the past six months, Healthcare Realty has focused on operational improvement and portfolio optimization. Q2 and Q3 2025 earnings emphasized same-store NOI growth, asset sales, and leverage reduction, with raised Normalized FFO guidance and a dividend reset. An ESG report highlighted better energy and emissions metrics, while multiple releases simply announced earnings dates and calls. Against this backdrop, today’s CFO transition, with no change to 2025 Normalized FFO guidance, fits into broader leadership and capital allocation repositioning already underway.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details a CFO transition while explicitly reaffirming the company’s previously increased 2025 Normalized FFO guidance. The incoming CFO brings nearly 20 years of healthcare REIT investment banking experience, including advisory work on large strategic transactions. Investors may contextualize this against recent efforts to improve same-store NOI, optimize the asset base, and manage leverage. Key metrics to watch in future updates include guidance continuity, capital allocation decisions, and any changes in development or disposition pacing.
Key Terms
reit financial
normalized ffo financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated (NYSE:HR) (“Healthcare Realty” or the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Daniel Gabbay as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). He will be based at the Company’s Nashville headquarters and assume his new role on January 12, 2026.
Since 2024, Mr. Gabbay served as a Managing Director in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group of RBC Capital Markets (“RBC”), with primary coverage responsibility of the healthcare REIT sector. Prior to joining RBC, he served as a Managing Director in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Barclays. During his nearly 20-year career in investment banking, Dan has provided advisory and capital markets services to clients across the real estate industry. Most recently, he advised Sonida Senior Living, Inc. on its announced
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Dan to Healthcare Realty,” said Peter Scott, President and CEO. “I have known and worked closely with Dan for over two decades, and he has a proven track record of leadership and success throughout his career. Dan brings an exceptional blend of strategic insight, analytical rigor, and capital markets expertise, not to mention deep experience in our sector. I look forward to working closely with him as part of our senior leadership team going forward.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Gabbay said, “I am honored by the opportunity to serve as Healthcare Realty’s CFO and excited to get started. I look forward to working with the talented team at Healthcare Realty as we continue to execute upon the strategic vision which Pete and the Board laid out last year. As the leading pure-play outpatient medical REIT, Healthcare Realty has the best-in-class platform to capitalize on favorable industry trends.”
In addition, the Company has announced that Austen Helfrich, who has served as CFO since October 2024, will be departing to pursue new business opportunities.
“Since joining the Company in 2019, Austen made significant contributions across the organization. I am grateful for his partnership and strong financial leadership during a critical time for Healthcare Realty. On behalf of the Company and our Board of Directors, I sincerely thank Austen for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Peter Scott.
There is no change to the Company’s previously issued 2025 Normalized FFO guidance, which was increased as part of reported third quarter 2025 financial results.
Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated (NYSE: HR) is the largest, pure-play owner, operator and developer of medical outpatient buildings in the United States. Additional information regarding the Company can be found at www.healthcarerealty.com.
Investor Contact:
Ron Hubbard
Vice President, Investor Relations
P: 615.269.8290
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Company. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not descriptions of historical facts and include statements regarding management’s intentions, beliefs, expectations, plans or predictions of the future, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially and in adverse ways from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial results, include, without limitation, the risks described under Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors, in the Company’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its other filings with the SEC.
FAQ
When does Healthcare Realty (HR) new CFO Daniel Gabbay start?
Who is leaving as CFO at Healthcare Realty (HR) and when did they start?
Does the CFO change affect Healthcare Realty (HR) 2025 Normalized FFO guidance?
What experience does Daniel Gabbay bring to Healthcare Realty (HR)?
Where will Healthcare Realty (HR) CFO be based and how can investors contact IR?
