SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walton Group of Companies (Walton), a Canadian real estate group, with U.S. headquarters based in Scottsdale, Arizona, announced today the appointment of Robert Laak as Chief Financial Officer for Walton Development and Management (WDM). <br /><br /> Laak joins Walton after serving as Corporate Vice President for a national publicly traded homebuilder. He will oversee corporate finance for Walton Development and Management and its six regions throughout North America. WDM has nearly 78,000 acres of land under management and 14 master planned developments underway in strategic North American growth corridors.<br /><br />“We’re thrilled to have someone of Bob’s talent join Walton,” said Rob Leinbach, WDM President. “Bob joins at an exciting time for Walton and will help guide our strategic plans throughout North America.”<br /><br />Mr. Laak most recently served as Corporate Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, for Meritage Homes Corporation, a top 10 publicly traded homebuilder. Mr. Laak also served as Corporate Vice President for Finance at Meritage where he led company real estate and joint venture financing activities.<br /><br />Mr. Laak started his career in public accounting with McGladrey. He holds an active CPA license in the state of Arizona. Mr. Laak graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in accounting and is a member of the American Institute of CPA's and Urban Land Institute.<br /><br />About Walton<br /><br />The Walton Group of Companies (Walton) is a family-owned, multinational real estate investment, planning, and development firm concentrating on the research, acquisition, administration, planning and development of strategically located land in major North American growth corridors. With nearly 78,000 acres of land under administration and management, Walton is one of North America’s premier land asset administrators and managers.<br /><br />Walton has been in business for over 30 years. We take a long-term approach to land planning and development. Our industry-leading expertise in real estate investment, land planning and development uniquely positions Walton to responsibly transition land into sustainable communities where people live, work and play.<br /><br />Our communities are comprehensively designed in collaboration with local residents for the benefit of all community stakeholders. Our goal is to build communities that will stand the test of time: hometowns for present and future generations. 