Living Legends 2024: LOUIS ‘LOU’ HADDAD

In the past 40 years, Haddad has spent his career building and shaping the Armada Hoffler construction and development company founded in 1979. In 1985, he started his career there as an on-site construction superintendent, quickly moving up to president of the firm’s construction arm.

Nine years later, before he’d even turned 30, Haddad was named president of the parent company. He became CEO in 1999, later spearheading the firm’s initial public offering and transition into a publicly traded REIT in 2013. 

The real estate giant, which was responsible for Virginia Beach’s Town Center as part of a public-private partnership, posted 2023 revenue of $667.2 million, an increase of 47% from 2022.

Haddad recently announced retirement plans for 2025, but until then, he will continue to shape the real estate giant’s path, taking over as executive chairman with the retirement of founder Daniel Hoffler this year. In 2025, he’ll hand the reins to President and COO Shawn Tibbetts.

Widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, Haddad and his wife are co-founders and benefactors of the Louis & Mary Haddad Foundation to support disadvantaged and at-risk children.