"We'll recommit the focus on our clients," Arena tells GlobeSt.com. "Grubb & Ellis is a lot bigger in New York than people know. There's a pretty solid franchise to build on. We plan to grow all the lines of business." In his new role, he will be responsible for directing the growth of the company's real estate activities in the region.

Mark Rose, chief executive officer of the Chicago-based Grubb & Ellis, says Arena's "knowledge of the Manhattan real estate market, proven track record of building and managing successful operations and reputation as one of the city's most dynamic and trusted real estate advisors makes him uniquely qualified to lead our growth initiative in New York." Rose adds that Arena's hiring is part of "a fundamental step" toward the firm's goal of expanding its presence here.

"David Arena was one of our stronger sales professionals, and I am certain that he will have success in his new position," says Peter Riguardi, president of Jones Lang LaSalle's New York office. "The circumstances of his move are similar to a college basketball program losing an assistant coach to an up-and-coming club--it makes the game more fun for everyone involved. We wish him the best of luck in his endeavors."