Weingarten Realty Investors Announces Multiple Promotions

Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE:WRI) announced today the promotion of Patty Bender to Executive Vice President, Joe Shafer and Bill Goeke to Senior Vice President, Frank Rollow, Candy Tillack, Gary Wankum, Chris Byrd, Lee Brody and Miles Sanchez to Vice President.

Patty Bender, Executive Vice President and Director of Leasing

Patty joined Weingarten in 1982, and was promoted to her recent role of Senior Vice President/Director of Leasing in 2004. Patty holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Marketing/Management from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Westchester State College. She holds a Texas Real Estate Broker’s License and a Certified Property Manager designation. Patty is an active member of ICSC and IREM. She serves on the Board of Directors for Uptown Houston and is chairperson for the Uptown Houston Marketing Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Board of Special Olympics, is a member of the National Charity League, and is heavily involved in volunteer activities within the Houston community.

Bill Goeke, Senior Vice President and Director of Property Management

Bill joined Weingarten in 2004 as Vice President and Director of Property Management. Over the past 5+ years, Bill has assumed responsibility of Risk Management and JV Asset Management. Prior to joining WRI, Bill was Senior Vice President/Director for PM Realty Group, L.P. where he was responsible for all leasing, property management, construction, engineering and business development for PM Realty Group's Central Region.

Joe Shafer, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Joe joined WRI in 1995 as Controller and was promoted to Vice President/CAO in 1999. Prior to joining WRI, Joe was a partner at Deloitte & Touche. Joe is responsible for all accounting related functions and cash management. Joe graduated from Indiana University where he received a BS in Business. He obtained his CPA designation in 1986.

Chris Byrd, Vice President

Chris joined Weingarten in 2002. In 2007, he was recognized for his deal making contribution and his leadership and was promoted to Regional Leasing Director overseeing several million square feet. In his Vice President/Regional Leasing Director role, he will continue to oversee the leasing activity in Arizona and New Mexico.

Lee Brody, Vice President

Lee joined Weingarten as Associate Director of Leasing in 2007 in our Atlanta office from Ramco-Gershenson, Inc. As Vice President/Regional Leasing Director Lee will oversee leasing and asset management of Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Frank Rollow, Regional Vice President

Frank joined Weingarten in 1983 as a Property Manager. After many promotions throughout his employment, he was promoted to his most recent role of Regional Director of Property Management in 2006, where he is responsible for the Property Management for the Eastern Region.

Miles Sanchez, Vice President of the Mountain Region

Miles has a combined tenure with Weingarten of over 10 years. After leaving for a few years we are pleased to announce that Miles Sanchez is returning to the company as the Mountain Region Director of Leasing.

Candy Tillack, Regional Vice President

Candy joined Weingarten in 1982. After many promotions throughout the years, Candy was promoted to her most recent role of Regional Director of Property Management in 2006, where she has been responsible for the administration of Property Management for the Western Region.

Gary Wankum, Divisional Vice President

Gary joined Weingarten in 1988 as a Construction Coordinator. Gary was promoted to his most recent role as Regional Director of Construction in 2007.

"Each of these Associates' has been an important part of our success, there promotions reflect our confidence in their ability to contribute significantly to the future success of the Company including our growth initiatives," stated Drew Alexander, President and Chief Executive Officer.

About Weingarten Realty Investors

Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE:WRI) is a commercial real estate owner, manager and developer. At December 31, 2009, the company owned or operated under long-term leases, either directly or through its interest in real estate joint ventures or partnerships, a total of 376 developed income-producing properties and 10 properties under various stages of construction and development. The total number of properties includes 307 neighborhood and community shopping centers located in 22 states spanning the country from coast to coast. The company also owns 76 industrial projects located in California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia and three other operating properties located in Arizona and Texas. At December 31, 2009, the company’s portfolio of properties was approximately 70.0 million square feet. To learn more about the Company’s operations and growth strategies, please visit www.weingarten.com