"We have a strong, senior-level team in place Downtown," says Cushman president of US operations Bruce Mosler. "But in a very selective manner, we're adding skilled, well-connected brokerage professionals to our existing team, which will further enhance our capabilities in one of our most important strategic markets."

Peretz, with more than 15 years of commercial real estate experience under his belt, is considered a Lower Manhattan specialist. Ken Krasnow, senior managing director and head of C&W's New York offices, points to the hire as indicative of the firm's continued commitment to Downtown. "We are always after quality professionals, and right now we're attracting talent Downtown, where we see tremendous opportunity well into the future," Krasnow says. "Andy is one of the more established brokerage professionals in Lower Manhattan with strong relationships."

Some of Peretz's recent deals include a 63,000-sf lease for Liberty Insurance Underwriters at 55 Water St., a 135,000-sf lease for Digitas at 345 Park Avenue South and an 85,000-sf lease on behalf of law firm Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris & Popeo at the Chrysler East Building (666 Third Ave.). He has also represented various non-profit organizations including New York City Outward Bound, Doctors Without Borders, Board of Jewish Education, and New York Cares.