Braillard brings significant experience to his two-year term in this position; will help lead organization dedicated to advancing role of direct real estate exposure in DC plans
New York, NY – February 3, 2026 – Clarion Partners, a leading global real estate investment firm and the third-largest industrial real estate manager in the U.S., today announced that Tripp Braillard, Senior Vice President, Head of Defined Contribution Distribution, has been appointed Co-President of the Defined Contribution Real Estate Council (DCREC), a national organization dedicated to advancing the role of direct real estate in defined contribution (DC) retirement plans.
In his position, Braillard along with Co-President Brandon Millen with Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, will help lead DCREC’s efforts to educate plan sponsors, consultants, policymakers, and investment professionals on the benefits of including direct real estate as an alternative asset class within DC plans.
The Council plays a key role in research, advocacy, and best practices around improving retirement outcomes through diversified real asset exposure.
“Tripp’s appointment reflects both his deep expertise in the defined contribution space and his long-standing commitment to expanding access to institutional real estate for retirement investors,” said Josh Pristaw, President of Clarion Partners. “We’re proud to see him take on this leadership role at such a critical time in the evolution of the alternative investment universe broadly and direct real estate exposure specifically.”
Braillard has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of real estate and retirement solutions. At Clarion Partners, he leads the Firm’s defined contribution distribution with a focus on the distribution of Clarion’s products within the U.S. institutional defined contribution channel.
“As defined contribution plans continue to evolve, investors are increasingly seeking greater diversification, income, and inflation protection within their retirement portfolios,” said Braillard. “DCREC plays an integral role in increasing education and guidance across the industry, and I’m honored to help lead the organization during this next phase of our category’s growth.”
"Tripp brings a rare combination of deep defined contribution expertise and long-standing leadership in advancing institutional real estate solutions,” said Mary Adams, Executive Director of DCREC. “His experience and perspective will be invaluable as the Council continues to work with plan sponsors, consultants, and policymakers to broaden understanding of how direct real estate can enhance long-term retirement outcomes."
Clarion has a long history of leadership within DCREC. The Firm’s Managing Director, Michael O’Connor, previously served as Co-President of the Council from 2019 to 2022, helping to advance industry standards and strengthen engagement between real estate managers and the defined contribution community.
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