In Memoriam: Rex Hime, 1948-2023

Hime

Rex Hime, who led the California Business Properties Association (CBPA) for 37 years and was a friend and legislative ally to NAIOP’s California chapters, passed away in February. He was 74.

From 1984 to 2021, Hime served as president and CEO of CBPA, which is the designated legislative advocate for the six NAIOP chapters in California, as well as for ICSC, the Building Owners and Managers Association of California (BOMA CAL), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the Association of Commercial Real Estate – Northern and Southern California (ACRE) and AIR CRE. He spoke frequently at NAIOP events, often dressed in one of his signature Hawaiian shirts. During his tenure, the CBPA grew from fewer than 100 members into a group that represents more than 10,000 companies.

Hime’s strong leadership led to the defeat of many significant issues at the legislative and ballot-box level, including multiple split roll property tax initiatives.

“Rex was one of a kind,” said California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jennifer Barrera in a statement. “He was an incredible advocate for California business and a mentor to so many of us. Rex’s humor and his direct approach to issues were two of his best qualities.”

Hime is survived by his wife, Gwyn Bicker Hime, and sons Rex Hime, Reagan Hime and Trevor Plescia.