Sealy Names New CFO
James Gilligan brings decades of real estate and investment expertise as he steps into leadership at Sealy.
June 23, 2025
Leadership Transition Underway at Sealy
Leadership changes are underway at Sealy Industrial Partners IV, LP. On June 16, James Gilligan officially stepped into the role of Chief Financial Officer at Sealy & Company, LLC—the sponsor of the industrial real estate partnership. This marks the start of a planned transition as outgoing CFO James R. Cook, Jr. prepares to retire at the end of June after more than two decades in the role.
Gilligan joined Sealy in April to allow for a smooth handoff. Now, he takes on full financial oversight, including serving as the principal financial officer for the partnership. It’s a key shift for a firm that relies on precision and discipline across its investments.
Background and Experience
He brings a strong track record in finance and real estate. Most recently, Gilligan served as CFO and Treasurer at Farmland Partners Inc., a public REIT focused on U.S. farmland. He held that position from 2021 to 2024. Before that, he spent eight years at Equity International —a private equity firm investing in real estate operators globally—where he took on both finance and compliance leadership roles.
Earlier in his career, he worked at Equity Group Investments, where he focused on a mix of credit, private equity, and public markets. His experience began at Merrill Lynch as an analyst. He holds both a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.
Structure and Oversight
Sealy Industrial Partners IV, LP is externally managed by Sealy and its affiliates. Like other Sealy executives, Gilligan won’t be compensated directly by the partnership. His role—and compensation—runs through Sealy, which oversees operations across the portfolio.
Looking Ahead
This move reinforces the company’s focus on operational continuity. With Cook’s retirement approaching, Sealy brought Gilligan in early to avoid gaps in coverage. Now, with a handoff in place and leadership aligned, Sealy appears set to move forward without missing a beat.
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