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Jorge M. Pérez, an Argentine-American real estate titan, is the chairman and CEO of The Related Group. Born in 1949, Pérez has transformed Miami's skyline with over 100,000 residences. His wealth source is real estate, and he holds a net worth of $2.6 billion as of August 2025. Pérez is known for his philanthropy, including a $40 million donation to the Miami Art Museum, now named the Pérez Art Museum Miami. His career began as an urban planner before founding Related Group in 1979.
Jorge M. Pérez was born on October 17, 1949, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Cuban parents. His family moved to Colombia, where they operated a pharmaceutical business, before immigrating to Miami, Florida, in 1968. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Long Island University and a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan.
Pérez started his career as an Economic Development Director with the city of Miami. In 1979, he co-founded The Related Group with Stephen M. Ross. The company initially focused on building affordable housing but later expanded into market-rate apartments and high-end condo construction. Related Group has developed and managed over 100,000 residences, primarily in South Florida.
Pérez's business strategy has emphasized innovative design, quality, and incorporating museum-quality art into residential projects. He has partnered with renowned architects and designers. During the 2007-2010 financial crisis, he set up a hedge fund to acquire distressed real estate. He has also diversified the company's developments, expanding into various markets, including Tampa, Dallas, and internationally.
Pérez is a prominent philanthropist. He donated $35 million in cash and art to the Miami Art Museum, which was renamed the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). He has also donated to the Miami Foundation and launched the CreARTE Grants Program. In 2021, he donated his waterfront home, which sold for $33 million, to the Miami Foundation. In April 2025, he and his wife, Darlene, donated a triptych by Joan Mitchell to the Tate Modern in London.
Jorge Pérez moved to Miami, Florida, from Colombia.
Co-founded The Related Group with Stephen M. Ross.
Donated $35 million in cash and art to the Miami Art Museum, later renamed PAMM.
Launched the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation.
Donation of cash and artwork to support the museum.
Supports arts education and access in Miami-Dade.
Donation of his family home to support local causes.
"“Miami has come of age. Ten years ago, people came here for the beach. Now they are coming for the energy, the restaurants, the museums. It is becoming such a cool town. It excites and feeds me. No city in America has the same potential.”"
Emphasized the importance of passion and dedication in the early stages of his career.
Recognized the necessity of empowering and training a capable team for business expansion and decentralization.
