Youngwoo & Associates
Founded in 1979, the Manhattan based YOUNGWOO & ASSOSIATES (YWA) has identified and developed a variety of specialized real estate projects in the NY metro Area and throughout the United States. Rooted in innovative thinking and the ability to anticipate changes in the real estate market, the success of YWA has been the result of pioneering emergin markets, implementing bold initiatives with new technology and developmental strategies, and most importantly, the ability to recognize shifting
real estate trends.
Jack Woo – President & CEO of Dragonback Development
Mr. Woo with more than 27 years of experience in cross border business development & project
management was a long time senior executive at the Samsung C&T America and specialized in creating
value through joint venture, licensing, partnerships and acquisitions in various industry sectors including
infrastructure, renewable energy, real estate, retail and hospitality. He is a graduate of School of
Hotel Management at Cornell University.
Enrique Gross – President of the Board, Chimpay S.A.
Mr. Gross serves as Youngwoo & Associate's President of LATAM, leading current projects and
expanding new business development throughout Latin America. Prior to joining YWA, Enrique has held
past positions as Permanent Secretary Holder for Argentina (MERCOSUR), Governor's State Counselor-
in-Chief (Misiones, Argentina), and Chairman of Marandu Comunicaciones Sociedad del Estado's
Board (Misiones, Argentina), among others. Enrique obtained a law degree from Universidad Nacional
de Cordoba. Also, he has received a distinction from Law School - Universidad Nacional de Cordoba -
(Ut Portet NomenMeum Coram Gentibus) and a First International Award from Academia Aragonesa de
Legislacion y Jurisprudencia (Gascon y Marin) Spain
Michael Merola - Global General Counsel
Michael Merola is the General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of Youngwoo & Associates. He joined the company in early 2017 bringing with him in excess of 20 years of legal experience structuring and negotiating real estate development and finance transactions for office, hospitality, residential and mixed use projects. As the General Counsel, Mike oversees all legal matters of the company and leads the company’s negotiation of acquisition and dispositions and financings. As Chief Operating Officer, Mike is involved in each aspect of the development process and is responsible for the coordination of senior development, construction, design and marketing officers throughout each facet of the development process. Mike graduated from Harvard Law School with distinction and received his undergraduate degree from Franklin & Marshall College. Mike is a frequent speaker on real estate development issues.
Paul O’Brien - Controller
Mr. Paul O’Brien, Controller is responsible for human resources, accounting and finance for Youngwoo & Associates and all of its affiliated entities. Prior to joining YWA, Paul has held past positions as a divisional controller for the Related Companies in their Low-Income and Real Estate Fund groups. In addition, he has 20 years of public accounting experience in real estate, manufacturing and hospitality industries. Paul received his B.A. in Accounting from Saint Johns University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Eduardo Pose – Project Manager of Dragonback Development
Mr. Pose is an Agronomic Engineer with a degree from University of Cuyo. After working in Spain and
Italy for two years, he worked for Tupungato Winelands as Project Manager.
Pablo Rubiani - Associate
Mr. Rubiani holds a B.S. in Finance & Economics from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. He comes from a diverse working background, having worked at the Central Bank of Paraguay, PwC, and at the Departments of Statistics and Sales for Retail S.A. – company that owns the largest supermarket chain in Paraguay. Mr. Rubiani also interned for Young Woo & Associates in 2016.
