A real estate investment company announced on Wednesday that its longtime chief legal officer will retire in April and be replaced by a veteran real estate attorney.

Apple Hospitality REIT Inc. in Richmond, Virginia, said in an SEC filing that David Buckley will be retiring, effective April 15. According to his LinkedIn profile, Buckley began working at Apple Hospitality in 2005. Before joining the company, he worked as an associate at McGuireWoods.

“I cannot thank Dave enough for his tremendous contributions to our success over the years. He will certainly be missed and we all wish him the best in retirement,” Justin Knight, the company's president and CEO, said in the press release.

A spokesperson for Apple Hospitality did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Buckley is being replaced by real estate attorney Matthew Rash, who will begin working at the company in March. Rash is currently a partner at McGuireWoods in Richmond. Rash joined the firm as an associate in 2004 and became a partner in 2016. Rash practices real estate law at McGuireWoods.

“I've had the pleasure of working with Apple Hospitality and Dave Buckley for many years as one of McGuireWoods' valued clients,” Rash said in an email to Corporate Counsel. “I'm thankful for my time at the firm and I look forward to continuing our relationship in my new role as Apple Hospitality's general counsel.”

Knight said he is happy to welcome Rash to the team.

“We are excited to have Matt, whom we have known and worked with for years, join us. He has outstanding experience, will be a great complement to our team, and I am confident will build on Dave's accomplishments,” Knight said in the press release.

Apple Hospitality is a publicly traded real estate investment trust, according to its website. Its portfolio includes 241 hotels with more than 30,800 guest rooms throughout 34 states in the U.S.