Goodman has new leadership—or more precisely, a new leader. Mara Afetian is joining the company as Senior Business Development Manager. The architect, executive, and industrial properties specialist spoke with the REsource team about her past experiences, current role, and future goals. 

Her career includes time at Prologis and Amazon, but now she is focused on bringing solutions to Goodman’s infill sites and data centers developments. Read the full interview below: 

Who is Mara? 

I’m someone who is always seeking knowledge. I love learning and working at companies that provide space for transformation and innovation. My goal is to contribute to business growth and drive innovation. 

You mentioned that you enjoy learning. What have been your biggest lessons throughout your career before joining Goodman? 

First, you learn a lot on a personal level—especially about how to deal with people and continuously acquire knowledge. I also gained a deep understanding of the logistics sector, both domestically and internationally. At Prologis and Amazon, I had the chance to work with global players and learn best practices from the industry. At Amazon, I got to know the logistics markets of India, Australia, and Europe. At Prologis, from the early days of our joint venture with Cyrela, we were already bringing the company’s best practices to Brazil. That was when we introduced the first Class A warehouses to the Brazilian logistics market. Later, at Amazon, I delved even deeper into innovation and technology, which was incredibly enriching. Now, at Goodman, the challenge is to bring all this know-how and apply it to the company. There’s still so much to be done, and that’s really exciting. 

You have a degree in Architecture and Urbanism. How did you enter the industrial properties market? 

It was an interesting journey. My first internship was at a German construction company that built automotive, pharmaceutical, and brewery industries, among others. That’s where I fell in love with the industrial sector, working on architectural projects and construction. I stayed in this field for several years, and with the knowledge I gained, I was invited to transition into the logistics sector. At the time, that company was also developing projects for Hines, which was just starting its logistics operations. This gave me exposure to international players and opened new career opportunities. 

What is your new challenge at Goodman? 

My main challenge is to bring the market’s best practices to the company, leveraging the vast network I’ve built over the years. My work is particularly focused on infill sites e data centers developments, which are Goodman’s current priority. My role is highly strategic, as I’m involved in development, commercial, permitting, and engineering areas. I work directly on product improvements, enhancing technical aspects, and identifying new business opportunities. It’s a key position that connects multiple departments within the company. 

With such a strong background and diverse experiences, what advice would you give to those starting in the industry? 

My biggest tip is: be curious. Look around and try to learn beyond your specific role. If you work in architecture, for example, ask the legal team about contracts or talk to the finance team to better understand processes. Always expand your scope and be willing to help others. Never say, “That’s not my job”—collaborate whenever possible. 

Another crucial point is networking. Build good relationships, connect with key people, and stay open to new opportunities. Also, be receptive to innovation and change. I see many companies trying to innovate, but some individuals resist transformation. It’s essential to be open to new ideas and trends. Those who don’t adapt get left behind. 

What are the current trends in the real estate market? 

We are in a period of great opportunities. Rental prices are rising, creating a favorable environment for developers and brokers. There’s significant room for growth, something we haven’t seen in years. It’s a promising time for the sector.