(SeaPRwire) –

I caught up with Sarah Chen, senior analyst at PropTech Advisory Group, earlier today to get her take on SURF LP’s leadership change. She says the dual role for Drimmer isn’t just a stopgap—it’s a strategic move. “When a CEO takes on the president’s role at a value-add focused LP, it signals they want direct control over operational decisions. For SURF, that’s critical because their model relies on quick, data-driven choices for capital expenditures—like which units to upgrade or how to optimize rental pricing using tech tools. Kirsh’s exit after five years might open the door to more aggressive proptech adoption, something Drimmer could push forward without layers of approval.”

Let’s break down the news. On May 29, 2026, Toronto-based Starlight U.S. Residential (Multi-Family) Investment LP (TSXV: SURF.A) announced Evan Kirsh is stepping down as president, effective the same day, to pursue other opportunities. Kirsh has been with the company since the launch of its predecessor in 2021—so he’s been part of the foundation. Daniel Drimmer, the current CEO, will take over the president role in addition to his existing position. Drimmer thanked Kirsh for his contributions over the years, noting his key role from the LP’s inception. Moving forward, Drimmer will handle day-to-day responsibilities, supported by the existing team to keep operations steady.

SURF LP is a close-end limited partnership under Ontario law. Its main focus is acquiring and managing residential properties—either ones that fit its target metrics or those where value-add investments (like upgrades or better asset management) can boost rental rates. As of March 31, 2026, the LP holds stakes in three multifamily properties with a total of 1,029 suites. The release also notes it’s not intended for U.S. distribution, and the TSX Venture Exchange doesn’t take responsibility for the accuracy of the information.

Zooming out to the industry, multifamily real estate is leaning hard into tech right now. Renters expect smart amenities—think app-based maintenance requests or energy-efficient systems—and firms need these to stay competitive. For value-add players like SURF, tech isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s how they justify rent increases and keep occupancy high. We’re seeing more LPs consolidate leadership roles to speed up tech rollouts—cutting through red tape means faster adoption of tools like AI-powered tenant screening or predictive maintenance for property upkeep. In 2026-2027, this trend will likely accelerate as interest rates remain volatile. SURF’s move to have Drimmer lead both roles might position it to act faster on these investments, which is good news for investors looking for steady returns in a tight market.