(Peoria, IL – September 09, 2025) – Cullinan Properties, a leading national provider of real estate services specializing in commercial developments, mixed-use developments and acquisitions, announced the appointment of Maria Pope Toliopoulos as its Chief Strategy Officer. Maria brings more than two decades of leadership experience in real estate strategy, leasing, and legal counsel, combined with a proven track record of driving growth for some of the nation’s most recognized companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maria as our Chief Strategy Officer,” said Michael Gold, President of Cullinan Properties. “Her broad background in portfolio strategy, leasing, and corporate leadership, combined with her legal expertise, makes her an invaluable addition to our executive team. Maria’s vision and experience will play a vital role as we continue to expand Cullinan’s footprint and advance our strategic growth initiatives.”
Maria most recently led her own consulting firm, The Hyperion Group, advising clients on real estate and growth strategies. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Ashley Global Retail, overseeing site selection, lease administration, landlord relationships, and market research across the company’s national footprint.
Earlier in her career, Maria was Vice President of Real Estate Portfolio Strategy at Ulta Beauty, where she directed the strategic vision for new stores, lease renewals, program management, and real estate research across all U.S. territories. She also spent a decade at Retail Properties of America, Inc. (RPAI), where she held multiple leadership roles including Senior Vice President of Leasing, overseeing a portfolio of more than 250 operating properties and managing national account relationships.
Maria earned a B.A. from Loyola University Chicago, and both a J.D., cum laude, and LL.M. in Information Technology and Privacy Law from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (FKA The John Marshall Law School). She also holds the Certified Retail Property Executive (CRX) designation and has presented and been published on numerous topics ranging from technology to commercial leasing.
“I am excited to join Cullinan Properties at this key moment in the company’s evolution and next phase of growth,” said Toliopoulos. “The growth we’ve achieved is a direct reflection of our disciplined approach, and in my new role, I will focus on channeling that momentum into forward-thinking strategies, continuous enhancements and measurable results.”
Maria will be based in Cullinan Properties’ Chicagoland office.
About Cullinan Properties
For more than 35 years, Cullinan Properties has been a leading developer of real estate specializing in commercial and mixed-use developments and acquisitions. With offices in Peoria, IL, Chicagoland, IL, and St. Louis, MO, Cullinan Properties develops, manages, and owns mixed-use, retail, multifamily, office, governmental, and healthcare properties throughout the United States. Cullinan is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Foradditional information about Cullinan Properties, visit CullinanProperties.com and follow @CullinanProperties on LinkedIn.
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