Ken Jett joins Rice’s Operations, Finance and Support as vice president of facilities and capital planning

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Rice University’s Division of Operations, Finance and Support announced that Ken Jett will join as vice president of facilities and capital planning and president of the Rice Real Estate Company starting April 1. He will also serve on the president’s cabinet.

“I am excited to welcome Ken to the leadership team and to working with him to create long-term growth and financial sustainability for the Rice community,” President Reginald DesRoches said. “This is an important role in the ongoing success and growth of our university, and Ken has the experience and skills to take us far in these areas.”

In his role, Jett will partner with Rice’s real estate teams to advance a new chapter in service of the university’s mission to create long-term growth and financial sustainability for the benefit of students, faculty, staff and the community.

“Ken is known for navigating complex organizations and building consensus among partners, customers and stakeholders,” said Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, finance and support. “His expertise and leadership skills will be invaluable as he joins the president’s cabinet and leads our strategic initiatives in capital planning, facilities and real estate development. With Ken’s arrival, we turn a new leaf in our ongoing efforts to excel in physical and capital asset management.”

Jett joins Rice after more than two decades of comprehensive commercial real estate investment management experience and has a proven track record of thriving in complex organizations by building relationships and consensus with partners, customers and key stakeholders.

Prior to joining Rice, Jett worked with Hines Interests, where he serviced a variety of portfolios and demonstrated consistent promotion within the company.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of California, Davis and a master’s of business administration from Rice.

“This new role is especially meaningful to me as a Rice alum, presenting a unique opportunity to support real estate activities in a place that has been instrumental to my personal and professional journey,” Jett said.