Ventas’ Robert Probst named 2019 FEI Financial Executive of the Year

Robert F. Probst, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ventas, Inc., a Chicago-based REIT, has been named FEI’s 2019 Public Company Financial Executive of the Year. The national award is presented annually to the CFO who has made a major impact within their company, achieved success in the company’s growth and profitability and shown exemplary leadership skills throughout their career.

“Bob is an outstanding CFO; an exceptional partner and leader who consistently demonstrates commitment, teamwork, intellect, strategic thought and a positive attitude,” said Debra A. Cafaro, Ventas chairman and CEO. “These characteristics have made Bob a success throughout his 25+ year career in finance, where he has established a strong track record of increasing responsibility and professional achievement. Ventas’s success has always hinged on our team of tenured and experienced professionals, and Bob stands out as a shining example of that principle. On behalf of all his Ventas colleagues, I congratulate Bob on this well-deserved honor.”

As a member of the Ventas executive leadership team, Probst plays a key role in all aspects of finance, accounting, IT, strategy and investor relations, and also leads the company’s senior living asset management function. Probst’s focus is on providing clear growth strategies and consistent execution, marrying an entrepreneurial collaborative culture with effective and efficient processes, and recruiting top talent to Ventas.

Probst joined Ventas in 2014 after a career spanning a wide variety of business, financial and geographic roles in publicly-traded corporations including Beam, Inc., Baxter International, Inc., and UK-based Diageo PLC. He serves on the boards of Argentum, the nation’s largest senior living association; the Chicago Botanic Garden and Camp Kesem, a community that supports children affected by cancer. He is a member of the advisory board of the Duke University Financial Economics program, where he earned his B.A. degree with honors in economics and won the national championship as a freshman on the Duke Soccer team. Probst received his M.B.A. degree with highest honors in finance and accounting from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.