Shirley Goza, QTS’ General Counsel secretary and vice president announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2020, QTS Realty Trust reported on Thursday.
“Shirley was one of my first executive hires in forming QTS and has been a foundational member of QTS’ executive team. Her strength and character has had an immeasurable impact on our people and culture,” said Chad Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, QTS.
Goza was named QTS’ General Counsel in 2006 and has more than 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney and law professor. Goza has led the company through a wide range of legal and governance initiatives and milestones to its current position as an industry leader generating over $500 million in annual revenue.
“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to work with this exceptional leadership team and board to build a truly world-class business,” said Goza. “I am proud to leave the QTS legacy, built on a solid values-based foundation, to a lawyer who I trust and respect as the result of many years working together. The company is in good hands all around.”
Matt Thomson, current partner with Hogan Lovells US, will succeed Goza. Throughout his career in law, Thomson has represented QTS as outside counsel since 2008, including the Company’s 2013 initial public offering, familiarizing him with QTS’ business and the data center industry.
Thomson has deep experience in the real estate investment trusts (REIT) industry and has focused his practice in the areas of corporate law, securities and capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.
Thomson will join QTS during the latter part of 2020 and will serve as co-General Counsel with Goza between his start date and Goza’s retirement to ensure a seamless transition of the General Counsel role and responsibilities.
“QTS has established a leading competitive position in the data center industry and Matt will play an important role as we accelerate our business momentum,” Williams said. “We look forward to Matt joining QTS in the coming months and I am confident that his in-depth knowledge of QTS and impressive track record will provide a smooth transition of the General Counsel role.”
About QTS
QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: QTS) is a leading provider of data center solutions across a diverse footprint spanning more than 7 million square feet of owned mega scale data center space within North America and Europe.
Through its software-defined technology platform, QTS is able to deliver secure, compliant infrastructure solutions, robust connectivity and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises, and government entities.