Industry Veteran Lee Kestler Named CEO of EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure

Data center developer EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure has selected industry veteran Lee Kestler as its new CEO, effective immediately. Kestler succeeds Tom Ray, who served as co-founder and CEO for more than five years.

Kestler brings 25 years of experience in IT infrastructure to his new post, including positions as Chief Commercial Officer Vantage Data Centers, and Senior VP of Sales and Leasing at DuPont Fabros Technology. Kestler also held sales leadership positions at Savvis and Exodus Communications, and in 2020 was named a Data Center Industry Icon by the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

Kestler takes the helm four months after EdgeCore was acquired by Partners Group, which is funding development of existing data center sites and potentially new markets. That growth strategy aligns with Kestler's experience working in companies experiencing strong growth.

“Lee has an extensive track record of successfully growing and scaling brands in the data center industry, with a special focus on working alongside hyperscalers, leading enterprises and cloud providers,” said Ed Diffendal, Managing Director, Co-Head Private Infrastructure Americas, Partners Group. “We are excited to welcome him into his new role in driving EdgeCore to new levels of growth and success.”

In addition to his leasing experience, Kestler has long been focused on the intersection of data centers and renewable energy, an important expertise as the digital infrastructure sector focuses on sustainability.  

“I have been thrilled to work with the EdgeCore team and Partners Group and lead the Board since Partners Group’s investment in Q4 2022,” said Kestler. “Following Partners Group’s strong commitment to investing for growth, including our pledge to safety and sustainability, the EdgeCore team has all the ingredients to continue executing at scale across the globe.”

EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure launched in 2018 with an experienced management team led by Ray and other veterans of CoreSite, with plans to build huge campuses in leading data center markets. EdgeCore operates data center campuses in the Northern Virginia and Greater Phoenix markets, and recently commenced construction on sites in Silicon Valley and Reno, Nevada as well as a second property in Loudoun County, Virginia.

"We're in the right markets with the right locations, and the sites are well positioned for scale," said Jeff Dorr, President and CFO of EdgeCore, in a recent conversation with DCF..