Arena Leaves JLL, Joins Grubb & Ellis

NEW YORK CITY-Grubb & Ellis has hired industry veteran David Arena to serve as president of the firm’s New York region. He previously served as chief strategy officer at Jones Lang LaSalle.

“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.