Atlanta-based Cortland Partners has created a new position and hired multifamily newcomer Mike Gomes to fill it.
In his job as chief experience officer, Gomes will work across the company to develop an overarching customer experience strategy and vision that aligns all of the various functions around a forward-thinking resident and community experience. Gomes will lead teams overseeing customer segmentation, marketing, communications, architecture, interior design, product design, and innovation. He will report to Cortland’s CEO, Steven DeFrancis.
“Through its values, innovation, and passion, Cortland is committed to serving its residents by creating an industry-leading experience,” DeFrancis said in a statement. “Mike’s career in developing world-class guest experiences at Disney and, most recently, in the development of Mercedes-Benz Stadium [in Atlanta], gives us confidence that he will further an innovative, strategic, customer-centric mind-set to help us create an unparalleled living experience for our residents.”
Gomes previously worked at AMB Sports and Entertainment, where he served as senior vice president, fan experience, for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the Atlanta United of the MLS, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. According to Cortland, he helped achieve industry-leading results through the design and implementation of innovative strategies and programming that enhanced the game and event-day experience for fans and guests of the new stadium. He also oversaw marketing and brand management for the Falcons and the stadium, as well as game-day and special-event multimedia production, creative services, mobile applications, and retail across all three brands.
Prior to joining AMB, Gomes enjoyed a 20-year-plus career with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, serving most recently as vice president, experience development and media strategy. He was promoted to executive in 2000 and to vice president in 2007 and during that time was involved in the strategy and launch of several new guest-experience enhancements, including new products, services, and events at Walt Disney World and other Disney theme parks across the world. During his career at Disney, Gomes held a variety of roles with responsibilities in product management, business development, web/mobile development and e-commerce, operations, technical strategy, and corporate alliances. Additionally, he has been named on three U.S. patents.
“Improving and enhancing customer experiences has been a focus of mine throughout my career,” said Gomes in a statement. “I’m excited to join a rapidly growing, values-driven organization with such a bold vision for the residence experience, and I am truly inspired to be a part of such a talented team.”
