Ben van Loon, CAE, Managing Director of AFIRE and Editor-in-Chief of Summit Journal, has been named by GlobeSt. as one of CRE’s Aspiring Leaders of 2025.
View the full Aspiring Leaders 2025 list here.
This recognition celebrates top young professionals, under the age of 40, within the commercial real estate industry. The full list of forward-thinking individuals stand out among their counterparts through solid track records, innovative approaches and significant contributions to their company, and the industry as a whole. According to GlobeSt., these ambitious professionals are making strides and creating lasting impacts on the industry.
According to GlobeSt, Ben has significantly elevated AFIRE’s influence and reach within the global real estate investment community.
Since joining AFIRE in 2019, Ben has spearheaded a comprehensive modernization of the association’s research, publishing, and outreach programs. Tasked with professionalizing AFIRE’s thought leadership platforms, van Loon has overseen the award-winning Summit, a triannual publication featuring insights from leading economists, researchers, and industry practitioners. Under his leadership, Summit has garnered more than 28 awards for design and content. He was also named “Editor of the Year” by Ragan’s/PR Daily in 2021.
Beyond the journal, Ben has also led AFIRE’s digital transformation. This included creating a content archive, launching podcast and video products and establishing the association management system. He also produces AFIRE’s biannual institutional investor surveys, and in 2023, he secured a contract with McGraw Hill Publishing to produce a new edition of the AFIRE Guide to US Real Estate Investment. He was responsible for the overhaul, which involved more than sixty contributors globally.
Ben’s impact extends beyond AFIRE. He was named a “Forty Under 40” Association Leader by Association Forum in 2023. He is also the Vice President of his neighborhood association, and member of the Community Zoning Committee for Chicago’s 30th Ward.
The 2025 honorees were selected by a panel of industry experts based on their professional accomplishments; how impactful their work has been; how dedicated they have been to furthering the industry; and how committed they have been to high ethical standards, service and excellence.
“We are thrilled to recognize the emerging leaders in the commercial real estate industry this year. The caliber of candidates continues to impress, with a noticeable uptick in both quantity and quality. Our volume of applications this year likely set a new record, each submission showcasing exceptional credentials,” says Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com. “Among this year’s nominees, we see a wealth of talent coupled with invaluable traits such as integrity, community engagement, and resilience. We look forward to seeing future endeavors of these individuals and are confident in their ability to lead.”
NEW: SUMMIT #17
