The Walton Group of Companies, a Canadian real estate group, with U.S. headquarters based in Scottsdale, announced today the appointment of Robert Laak as chief financial officer for Walton Development and Management (WDM).

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.

“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.”

Laak most recently served as corporate vice president, mergers and acquisitions, for Meritage Homes Corporation, a top 10 publicly traded homebuilder. Laak also served as corporate vce president for finance at Meritage, where he led company real estate and joint venture financing activities.

Laak started his career in public accounting with McGladrey. He holds an active CPA license in the state of Arizona. 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.