Premier CEO Johannes Michaelsky [Photo: Premier]

Premier, a Dallas-based firm providing architecture, interior design, procurement, project management, and corporate engineering services to the real estate industry, has appointed Johannes Michalsky to chief executive officer.

Most recently, Michalsky served as the company’s chief operating officer, overseeing a strategic repositioning to focus on third-party business objectives. With more than 12 years of leadership experience at Premier, he has played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and geographic expansion, the company said. While Michalsky was COO, Premier improved operational efficiency and client service through the continuous enhancements to its integrated service approach.

“I’m excited to deepen our commitment to exceptional client service while continuing to invest in the talented people who define Premier,” Michalsky said in a statement. “The skill, dedication, and collaboration of our teams are what set this organization apart. It is a privilege to work alongside such accomplished professionals and to help bring our clients’ visions to life.”

As CEO, Michalsky will build upon Premier’s expertise spanning key real estate development sectors, including hospitality, multifamily residential, student housing, and mixed-use developments. He also will lead the firm’s long-term strategy, focusing on sustained growth across all markets, and the continued advancement of Premier’s fully integrated platform, the company said.

Project pipeline surpassed $1B in 2025

In 2025, Premier’s pipeline of projects under construction or in planning surpassed $1 billion in estimated value—a portfolio Michalsky plans to expand further, the company said.

Michalsky’s appointment follows the promotion of Premier’s former CEO Hector Sanchez to the role of president of Dallas-based Ashford Inc., an alternative asset management company focused on real estate and hospitality, late last year. Premier is a privately owned subsidiary of Ashford Inc., and in his new role, Michalsky will report directly to Sanchez.

“Johannes Michalsky has been a driving force behind Premier’s growth and operational excellence as COO, always putting clients at the center of every decision,” said Sanchez. “His leadership has elevated our service standards and strengthened our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our customers. I’m confident Johannes will continue to advance Premier’s reputation for client-focused excellence as CEO.”

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