Top Spots

Over the past few weeks, announcements of new leadership have been made that are defining, and indicate that shareholders and investors are looking for new directions as real estate enterprises emerge from the near-Depression of the past 18-24 months. Morgan Stanley tapped John Klopp--by many counts, an interesting and not necessarily conventional choice--to lead the business and Cushman & Wakefield announced the hiring of Glenn Rufrano as CEO, another out-of-the box choice for a service company grappling with how to navigate the recovery. Both choices indicate that companies are challenging conventional wisdom and approaches to leadership choices. We are seeing institutional investors and boards of directors looking critically at management’s performance, and insisting that business-as-usual is not the norm. Look out for more changes at the top, and choices for leadership of new platforms. I suspect that some of the announcements will surprise you.

Job Opportunities COSTAR GROUP Sales Executive--CRE Software (CLEVELAND) The sales executive will be responsible for new sales into the commercial real estate industry and all related verticals; up-sells of new and complimentary products into existing customer base; retention of existing account base through extensive product training and client interaction; new and renewal contract negotiations with key decision makers; and management of sales pipeline and monthly sales forecast; among other duties. SHORENSTEIN REALTY SERVICES, L.P. Asset Management Analyst (SAN FRANCISCO) The analyst will perform asset management related analysis with an emphasis on developing discounted cash flows and property valuations for properties within the portfolio. TRIMONT REAL ESTATE ADVISORS Asset Manager (ATLANTA) The manager will manage a portfolio of defaulted commercial loans throughout the loss mitigation process; develop, secure approval, and implement resolution plans which optimize economic recovery; explore/negotiate/structure resolution options and terms with borrowers; and secure and evaluate key information on borrower condition, property value, property condition and market conditions; among other duties. COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL Director--Marketing and Communications, USA (SEATTLE) The director will plan, develop and implement marketing strategy for US; be responsible for providing direction, leading and motivating direct report team; support, train and coach local marketing coordinators; provide regular communications to the local markets in relation to marketing related activities and resources; and oversee internal communication needs; among other duties. HOLLIDAY FENOGLIO FOWLER, L.P. Real Estate Analyst--WDC (WASHINGTON, DC) The analyst will model and prepare commercial mortgage loan/equity packages for presentation to lenders and investors, respond to lender and investor questions, coordinate information regarding market data, occupancy data, expense analysis, aerials, maps, rent/sales, comparables and occupancy; among other duties. ODGERS BERNDTSON Chief Financial Officer--Intracorp Vancouver (VANCOUVER) The CFO will help to develop strategies for: growing the top and bottom lines, enhancing corporate culture, and providing council and support to the other team members of the executive team. On a more technical level, the CFO's mandate will focus on the financing of projects. They will take a lead role in developing the relationship with lenders and investors and will ensure all transactions are papered in a manner that supports the achievement of project goals. CB RICHARD ELLIS Assistant Real Estate Manager (HOUSTON) The assistant real estate manager will respond to tenant needs and coordinate with maintenance staff to resolve problems; maintain positive relationships and high retention levels with all tenants; and respond to all problems and concerns and ensures compliance with rules and regulations; among other duties. AMLI RESIDENTIAL Community Manager (RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA) The community manager will be responsible for the operational and financial aspects of a 319 unit property; to drive business results in personnel management, leasing, collections, resident services, maintenance, revenue enhancement, capital improvements and information reporting; among other duties. Promotions No more than one submission per company will be considered per week. Submissions with multiple names will be capped at three for coverage in Executive Watch. MARCUS & MILLICHAP (ENCINO, CA) Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services is promoting John M. Leonard and John M. Przybyla to first vice presidents. Leonard also serves as east coast director of the company’s special asset services division. Przybyla is vice president and regional manager in the Chicago Downtown office. PIZZUTI SOLUTIONS (COLUMBUS, OH) The Pizzuti Co. is promoting James S. Russell to president of its Pizzuti Solutions division. PIRCHER, NICHOLS & MEEKS (LOS ANGELES) Pircher, Nichols & Meeks is promoting Alex Jacobs to partner. CB RICHARD ELLIS (DALLAS) CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. is promoting Jeffrey Ackerman, Jennifer Pierson and Christina Roush as the new leadership team for CBRE's Private Client Group (PCG) in the US. Ackerman, an EVP in CBRE's Pittsburgh office, will oversees PCG's eastern region; Pierson, a CBRE SVP based in Dallas, will manage the Group's central region; and Roush, a SVP based in CBRE's San Diego office, will oversee PCG's western region. REGENCY CENTERS (JACKSONVILLE, FL) Regency Centers is promoting Brian Fraser to SVP of people services and Kathy Miller to SVP of financial services and tax. Previously, Fraser held the position of vice president of people services and Miller served a dual role as VP of Tax and Development Accounting. New Hires No more than one submission per company will be considered per week. Submissions with multiple names will be capped at three for coverage in Executive Watch. RHYS COMMERCIAL (STAMFORD, CT) RHYS Commercial is hiring Joe Pab