Weyland Ventures Announces Next Chapter of Family Leadership

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Weyland Ventures today announced the next chapter in its multi-generational family leadership with the appointment of Lee Weyland as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment follows a planned leadership transition over the past several months. Mariah Weyland Gratz, who has served as CEO for the past decade, will continue as an owner of the company while stepping away from day-to-day leadership. Company founder Bill Weyland will continue to serve as Chief Strategy Officer.

Earlier this year, Gratz took a leave of absence following the unexpected passing of her husband. After a period of reflection, she has decided not to return to the CEO role. She and her children will spend the next year in Spain while she remains actively invested in the company’s long-term success as an owner.

During her tenure as CEO, Gratz led Weyland Ventures through a period of significant growth and diversification, expanding the company’s capabilities in real estate development, hospitality, asset management, and consulting. Building upon the strong foundation established by Bill Weyland, she helped lead the delivery of complex mixed-use and catalytic community development projects, strengthened relationships with investors and financial institutions, and developed a talented leadership team positioned to guide the company’s continued success.

“My father built this company on a foundation of integrity, relationships, and a commitment to making a positive impact in our communities,” said Gratz. “It has been the privilege of my career to build upon that legacy alongside an extraordinary team. I have complete confidence in Lee, our leadership team, and the future of Weyland Ventures. While my role is changing, my commitment to the company and its long-term success remains as strong as ever.”

Lee Weyland has served as Interim CEO since earlier this year, leading the company through a seamless leadership transition while continuing to advance its strategic priorities. As CEO, he will continue working alongside Bill Weyland as Chief Strategy Officer, Kent Weyland as Investor Relations Manager, and the company’s experienced leadership team to build on Weyland Ventures’ long-standing commitment to its investors, partners, employees, and the communities it serves.

Company founder and Chief Strategy Officer Bill Weyland welcomed the transition as the next step in the company’s multi-generational leadership.

With Bill continuing to provide strategic leadership as Chief Strategy Officer, Mariah remaining an owner, Lee serving as CEO, and Kent leading investor relations, Weyland Ventures enters its next chapter with the same family leadership, long-term perspective, and commitment to excellence that have defined the company for generations.

The leadership transition reflects years of thoughtful succession planning and the strength of an experienced leadership team. Together, the Weyland family and the company’s leadership remain focused on delivering transformative projects, creating lasting value for investors and partners, and strengthening the communities they serve.