ATLANTA, GA (REIT Media) Aparil 18, 2008 - Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE: WRI) announced that Bill Coats has joined the company as Regional Director of New Development for the Southeast Region.

Bill will be based out of Weingarten’s Atlanta, Georgia office and will oversee Weingarten’s new retail development projects in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and the Florida Panhandle.

Bill brings over 20 years of retail development experience to Weingarten. Robert Smith, Weingarten Senior Vice President and Director of New Development said, “Weingarten Realty is pleased to have Bill Coats join our New Development team. Bill’s experience and strong working relationships will play a major role in the expansion for the Southeast Region. Bill has a strong background in real estate development and is an excellent addition to our team.”

Prior to joining Weingarten, Bill served as Vice President of Development for Regency Centers in Atlanta, GA where he was responsible for a five state territory to source new neighborhood and community shopping center development opportunities. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is also a licensed Real Estate Broker in Georgia.

About Weingarten Realty Investors:

As one of the largest real estate investment trusts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE: WRI) is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a commercial real estate owner, manager and developer, incorporated in 1948. Focused on delivering solid returns to shareholders, Weingarten is actively developing, acquiring, and intensively managing properties in 23 states that span the United States from coast-to-coast. The Company's portfolio of 415 properties includes 335 neighborhood and community shopping centers and 80 industrial properties. Including tenant-owned square footage, the Company's portfolio currently totals more than 72 million square feet under management. Weingarten has one of the most diversified tenant bases of any major REIT in its sector, with the largest of its 5,700 tenants comprising less than 3% of its rental revenues. To learn more about the Company's operations and growth strategies, please visit http://www.weingarten.com.

Weingarten Realty Investors
Carrie Murray, 713-866-6959
Marketing Manager