The Beach Company, a leader in residential and commercial real estate, is pleased to announce its CEO and chairman of the board, John Darby, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Established in 1992, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making the Charleston community a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are distinguished by a lifetime of leadership and dedication to strengthening the region’s economic and social fabric.
“John’s leadership has delivered a lasting impact not only on The Beach Company but on the communities in which we live and work,” said Dan Doyle, president at The Beach Company. “His ability to inspire, innovate and navigate complex challenges has set a benchmark in our industry, and it has been an honor to work alongside him for so many years. This award is a testament to his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to progress and the lasting impact he continues to make on Charleston and the greater Southeast region.”
Over his 33-year tenure at The Beach Company, John Darby has come to be recognized as a visionary and one of the most respected development partners in the industry. He has earned this reputation by successfully leading the multi-generational real estate company and greatly expanding its portfolio with new properties that have added high-quality multifamily, mixed-use, commercial and industrial options to suburban and downtown regions across the Southeastern U.S, which has set the standard for development projects across the region. The company’s projects continue to create long-term economic vitality for communities and build enduring value in every property, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and neighbors. With a team of more than 700 employees operating in over 27 cities across the Southeast, The Beach Company continues to be a force for economic growth and innovation.
Darby’s vision has always been to improve communities with more viable and engaging places to live, work and visit. As a steward of the Charleston community, both from an economic and philanthropic standpoint, he supports local hospitals, museums, schools, parks and more. Darby played a pivotal role in the creation of the Emanuel Nine Memorial by offering his support to the church leaders shortly after the 2015 tragedy. He serves as co-chair of the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation, dedicating significant time, resources and funds to establishing a memorial honoring the victims and survivors. In addition to his work with the memorial, Darby has supported many other community organizations including The Citadel Foundation, Trident CEO Council, Palmetto Business Forum, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, S.C. Tourism Council, Ashley Hall School Board, SC Council on Competitiveness, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce and the East Cooper Land Trust.
