Chief Executive Officer

Payton Mayes

Payton Mayes is a proven leader with extensive experience originating and managing real estate asset-level and operating company investments across domestic and international markets. Payton is the Chief Executive Officer, part-owner and Board Member of JPI, a national developer, builder and investment manager of Class A multifamily assets across the U.S. and among the most active privately held real estate companies in the country. Payton oversees and leads all components of JPI’s operation. As a member of the JPI Executive Leadership Team, Payton provides strategic direction and guidance on initiatives, including leadership and culture.

Payton is also a partner at Cephas Partners, a private equity firm specializing in alternative investments with a primary focus on real estate related opportunities. Prior to this, Payton was the Chief Investment Officer for DHIC Communities, a D.R. Horton Company, where he was recruited to grow platforms outside of core homebuilding operations and expand D.R. Horton’s expertise in distressed offerings. Before serving at DHIC, Payton cofounded Cephas Partners, where he co-invested side by side with The Blackstone Group to acquire a portfolio from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, funded with over $500 million of equity and with a total enterprise value of underlying assets exceeding $4 billion, with assets located throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe. Payton also previously served as Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Global Real Estate Principal Investments (GREPI) and served as Co-Head of GREPI Americas and Europe (2009-2012) and head of GREPI Latin America (2006-2008) in New York. Payton is a CFA® charterholder.

Payton is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, with a B.S in Agribusiness, where he graduated in three years summa cum laude. After graduation, Payton obtained an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance and was the highest-ranking member in his class.

Payton serves his community in many ways, including: founder, past president and Board Member of the Northeast Tarrant County A&M Club; Chairman of the Board, The National Christian Foundation of North Texas; Chairman of the Board, Lionheart Children’s Academy; member of the Texas A&M Real Estate at Mays Business School Founders Board and constant cheerleader and strategic partner for several other ministry organizations. Payton and his family are active in 121 Community Church in Grapevine, Texas.

Payton is married to Andrea and together they have three children: Merritt (2006), Channing (2008), and Stella (2010). Payton was raised on a small ranch in Coleman, Texas, an experience that continues to shape his values and work ethic.

"I get so excited thinking about the future of JPI and where we’re headed as a team. We’re hiring and retaining world-class talent to help us think, grow, and build, differently." – Payton Mayes, CEO

Payton Mayes in hardhat outside of building
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