"This is an ambitious task, given the size and scope of our company," says Colliers Macaulay Nicolls president and chief executive Doug Frye. At present, CMN is located in 80 markets, spanning 20 countries on six continents.

At Grubb & Ellis, McDougall managed 100 research and marketing professionals throughout the United States and collaborated with senior management on strategic business development and operational issues. Originally from Seattle, McDougall has relocated from Chicago back to Seattle for the job. He could not be reached Monday for comment.

In a related move aimed at global consistency, Colliers has named Kristen Okerman its managing director of marketing and communications, another new position in the company that will be based out of Seattle. Most recently head of Colliers marketing and communications in Australia, Okerman is now responsible for developing, implementing and managing the Colliers International marketing and communication plan globally. Prior to Australia, Okerman was based in Seattle as Colliers' director of US research.