Summit Homes announces the promotion of Zalman Kohen to Chief Executive Officer

Kansas City, Mo. – February 2023 – New home builder and land developer Summit Homes, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, announces that Zalman Kohen was promoted to the Chief Executive Officer, as Fred Delibero planned his retirement. Kohen previously held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer at Summit Homes. 

Delibero, Founder of Summit Homes, said, "This has been the most interesting 20 years of my life. I am honored to have led Summit Homes as its CEO and am very grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I've had throughout my career. I am extremely proud of our team members and their unwavering commitment to caring for our customers. We are fortunate to already have Zalman as part of our executive team, and I am completely confident in his ability to take on this role and lead our company to a successful future."

Summit Homes has a rich 20-year history of providing innovative products and delivering on a lifestyle synonymous with Summit Homes. Kohen joined the team 14 years ago as General Manager before being named President and COO. Kohen brings with him a skilled leadership style designed to develop skills and capabilities, including how to develop emotional intelligence, build relationships and lead change. This shift within the organization well-positions Summit to continue to grow and expand in the years to come. 

"I am particularly focused on leading our team in this ever-changing market while maintaining an emphasis on our mission and advocating for our customer experience. Given the strength of our people, culture, and core values, we are embarking on this exciting new chapter together. We will continue to offer our homebuyers true benefits you won't find anywhere else in the Kansas City and Des Moines markets," said Zalman Kohen, President and Chief Executive Officer at Summit Homes. 

Kohen added, "I am incredibly excited to serve as Summit's next CEO and would like to thank Fred for his steadfast guidance and strategic leadership. Our company has a strong foundation and I look forward to building a bright future with our highly talented team. My commitment is to help build on the legacy Fred started and take this organization to the next level.”

Through Summit’s growth over the last 20 years and acquisition by Clayton Properties Group, they have propelled their business and remain the top home builder in Kansas City. They have built exceptional communities across the metro by offering state-of-the-art amenities and beautiful homes that families will call home for years to come. It is in that regard that propels this company to continue to grow and thrive in any market. In 2020, Summit expanded operations to the Des Moines metro and in 2021, Summit expanded again by acquiring a highly respected Boise, Idaho home builder, Berkeley Building Co.  

Kohen will oversee all divisions of the Summit Homes organization, including their Des Moines, Iowa division, Boise, Idaho builder, Berkeley Building Co, and a sister company, clover & hive. 

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About Summit Homes: Summit Homes is delivering a personalized, customer-centric, home-building experience creating high-quality, innovative homes in the Kansas City and Des Moines areas. The award-winning company is known for developing and building exceptional communities and its innovative design practices. In 2016, Summit joined Clayton Properties Group^®, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Summit actively supports numerous organizations committed to helping children and those unable to help themselves, including Drumm Farm Center for Children, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and Harvesters: The Community Food Network, Hope Haven of Cass County, and many more.