Behringer Harvard, a firm that creates alternative investment programs for institutional and individual investors, has brought in Brad Watt as executive vice president – net lease investments.

Watt, who has been in the real estate investment industry for 25 years, will create and distribute a series of 1031 Delaware Statutory Trust and other real estate wealth management programs focused on fixed income and tax efficiency. The net lease investment platform will focus on single-tenant assets leased to investment grade tenants on long-term double net and triple net leases, the firm said.

"Investor interest in 1031 exchange programs has resurged in the last year as investors search for high-quality investment solutions that focus on capital preservation and repeatable cash distributions," said Frank Muller, executive vice president and head of distribution for Behringer Harvard. "We believe that adding a net lease strategy to our alternative investment programs is a logical extension of our existing investment management business."

In addition to its core 1031 co-investment programs, Behringer Harvard will advise on separately managed accounts for high net worth retail and institutional investors, using a “highly collaborative direct investment approach,” it said.