Inland Real Estate Group names new CFO

OAK BROOK - Ernest Fiorante has joined The Inland Real Estate Group said as chief financial officer, overseeing financial activities, budgeting, bank/lender relationships, accounting and financial strategic planning for Inland.

"Ernie is an accomplished executive with significant financial and operational commercial real estate expertise, and he will be an excellent addition to our executive team," commented Daniel L. Goodwin, Chairman and CEO of Inland. "Ernie brings 25 years of experience and success to the Inland organization."

Fiorante, 46, most recently served as CFO of the Americas for Jones Lang LaSalle, where he was responsible for directing and leading all financial activities, as well as contributing to the development of the overall business strategy. Fiorante led JLL's corporate finance team, budgeting and client accounting operations which, combined, consisted of over 800 employees.

Prior to serving as CFO of JLL, Fiorante served as CFO of CalEast Global Logistics, LLC, one of LaSalle Investment Management's largest private equity clients, where he was responsible for arranging all fund level financing, accounting and budgeting. During that time, Fiorante also served on the board of directors for CenterPoint Properties Trust, including serving as Chairman of its audit committee.

Before moving to LaSalle Investment Management, Fiorante served as Assistant Treasurer of the JLL global organization. As Assistant Treasurer, he negotiated and managed over $1 billion in syndicated credit agreements and a EUR 165 million public bond offering. Additionally, he was responsible for JLL's $100 million foreign exchange hedging program.

Fiorante holds an M.B.A. from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree from DePaul University. He is also a certified public accountant.