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Billionaire Profile
Robert Faith
Global Rank
#717

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Faith

CEO, Greystar Real Estate Partners
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.8B
As of December 2025
Age
62
Source
Real estate management
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
US

Biography

Robert Faith is a highly successful American businessman and the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Greystar Real Estate Partners. His career began in real estate after earning an MBA from Harvard Business School, following a bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Faith's source of wealth comes from his real estate management activities through Greystar, which he founded in 1993, and is now a global leader in investment, development, and management of rental housing. His leadership has transformed Greystar into the largest apartment operator in the U.S. and has expanded its operations to manage over $320 billion in real estate across five continents. Faith's estimated net worth is $5.0 billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Robert Alan Faith was born in Oklahoma in 1963 or 1964. He initially pursued a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. However, the economic climate led him to obtain an MBA from Harvard Business School, graduating in 1986.

Rise to Success

Faith began his career in real estate at Trammell Crow Company. In 1991, he co-founded Starwood Capital Group with Barry Sternlicht. In 1993, he founded Greystar in Houston, Texas. Under Faith's leadership, Greystar made significant acquisitions and expanded into various sectors. Faith served as the Secretary of Commerce for the State of South Carolina from 2002 to 2006.

Key Business Strategies

Faith's key business strategies include expanding Greystar through acquisitions and investment in platform development. Greystar has expanded its global presence through integrated services and strategic acquisitions, including Education Realty Trust. The firm has expanded beyond multifamily rentals to include sectors like life sciences and industrial.

Philanthropy

Faith is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting educational institutions and community organizations. He donated $1 million to Junior Achievement of Oklahoma's capital campaign.

Career Milestones

1986

Joined Trammell Crow Company

Began his career in real estate.

1991

Co-founded Starwood Capital Group

Co-founded investment firm with Barry Sternlicht.

1993

Founded Greystar

Founded Greystar Real Estate Partners in Houston, Texas.

2002-2006

Secretary of Commerce for South Carolina

Served as Secretary of Commerce for the State of South Carolina.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Junior Achievement of Oklahoma

$1M

Donated to the capital campaign, honoring Scott Filstrup.

Community Support

Greystar Giving

$280,000+

Raised for PTSD Foundation's Camp Hope.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I was always in such a hurry. I graduated undergrad in three years and then went straight to business school and then went straight to work. And I tell myself to remember that it's a marathon and not a sprint and to make sure you're enjoying every single step of the way as you're going through it. It's all about balance."

"You've got to dig in. You can't delegate everything to others; you really have to understand the details of your business at a very granular level and, then, your business will start growing from there."

Leadership Principles

Dream Big

Effective leaders envision goals beyond their immediate reach, inspiring their teams to strive for greater achievements.

Serve and Add Value

A service-oriented approach to leadership focuses on elevating others and contributing to their success.

Lead by Example

True leaders are willing to perform any task, no matter how mundane, demonstrating humility and commitment.