Scott Rechler is one of the most influential figures in the American real estate landscape. As the Chairman and CEO of RXR, he has cultivated a reputation as an innovative investor, a forward-thinking developer, and a dedicated public contributor. With a career defined by strategic foresight and a commitment to community-centric development, Rechler has built a multi-billion-dollar real estate empire and has played a pivotal role in shaping the New York metropolitan area and beyond. His work blends business acumen with a strong sense of civic responsibility, creating a legacy of transformative projects that generate long-term value for investors, tenants, and the public alike.
Early Career
Scott Rechler’s immersion in the real estate world began long before he became a prominent figure in the industry. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the business; his grandfather founded Reckson Associates in 1958. After graduating from Clark University and earning a Master of Science in Real Estate from the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate, Rechler joined the family business. He quickly distinguished himself as a visionary leader.
At just 26 years old, he was the architect behind taking the company public in 1995, forming Reckson Associates Realty Corporation. As Chief Operating Officer and later Co-CEO, he led the company’s strategic expansion from a Long Island-based firm into a dominant force in the New York tri-state region. Under his leadership, Reckson became known for its savvy strategy of acquiring underperforming properties, revitalizing them, and significantly increasing their value. This approach culminated in the successful sale of Reckson to SL Green Realty in 2007 for over $6 billion: a landmark deal that generated 700% total return for the company’s original investors.
Business: The Rise of RXR
Scott Rechler founded RXR the day after the sale of Reckson was finalized. He established RXR with a clear vision: to build a next-generation real estate company that was agile, opportunistic, and deeply committed to a “customer- and community-centered” approach. Today, RXR is a fully integrated real estate and investment manager with a vast portfolio of over 30 million square feet of commercial properties and thousands of multifamily units, holding a gross asset value of approximately $21 billion.
Under Rechler’s leadership, RXR has been at the forefront of some of the region’s most ambitious projects. The company specializes in complex public-private partnerships, including the $4 billion redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport and large-scale master developments in growing national markets. RXR’s strategy often involves identifying opportunities in market dislocations and investing in properties with untapped potential, transforming them into vibrant, modern assets. Beyond traditional equity investments, RXR also operates a substantial credit platform, leveraging its deep real estate expertise to provide a range of lending products.
A Commitment to Public Service
Scott Rechler’s influence extends far beyond his corporate endeavors. He has consistently dedicated his time and expertise to public service, holding several high-profile appointments that have had a lasting impact on the New York region. From 2011 to 2016, he served as Vice Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he played a key role in guiding the award-winning transformation of LaGuardia Airport and the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. He also served on the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from 2017 to 2019, where he led initiatives with the aim of improving efficiency and cost containment.
Reflecting his standing in the financial community, Rechler was elected to the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he helps provide a vital link between the central bank and the private sector. Furthermore, his leadership as the former Chairman of the Regional Plan Association (RPA) underscored his commitment to long-term strategic thinking for the area’s economic health and quality of life.
Vision and Philanthropy
Scott Rechler’s work is followed by a philosophy that real estate is about more than just buildings; it is about creating communities and fostering connections. He is a vocal advocate for developing sustainable and socially conscious properties that enhance the tenant’s experience. He serves as Vice Chair of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Rechler is actively involved with numerous healthcare and educational institutions, including Northwell Health, the Hospital for Special Surgery, and New York University, where he is an alumnus.
