University of Calgary Properties Group appoints Novy Cheema as president and CEO

University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) has named Novy Cheema as its next president and CEO. He formally begins his role Jan. 29, 2024. Cheema takes over from Gregg Callander, who has been serving as interim president and CEO since March 2023.

Cheema has more than 15 years of experience working in real estate and development and joins UCPG after leading Alberta and prairie real estate development activities for a major North American development and construction company. Before this, he practised commercial real estate law at an international law firm and also worked as counsel for a Calgary-based development company. Cheema took his undergrad degree at UCalgary's Haskayne School of Business, then earned his law degree at the University of Alberta.

“I have always been passionate about creating meaningful communities that unite mindful design with innovation and sustainability,” says Cheema. “This is a distinctive opportunity to continue to develop the visionary and award-winning community of University District as well as lead the next phase for University Innovation Quarter (UIQ).”

“On behalf of the UCPG Board of Directors, I would like to thank Gregg Callander for his leadership over the last several months,” says UCPG Board Chair Murray Fox. “Welcoming Novy to the team with his extensive background in both real estate law and development will be beneficial to the organization.”

UCPG was created by the University of Calgary to oversee the development and management of university land projects, creating amazing places for people to thrive. UCPG has been recognized with a number of awards for community innovation, housing excellence, urban design and more. Its current projects include University District and University Innovation Quarter, both in northwest Calgary.