Buffett's Succession Plan - 11.02.2010
Last week Warren Buffett announced that Todd Combs, a little known 39-year-old fund manager from Darian, CT is the leading contender to take over Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio when Buffet dies or retires. In order to fill the position, Buffett posted a help wanted ad (yes you read it right) that was responded to by hundreds of people, among them Comb's, who was among the long list of undistinguished applicants that didn’t hear back. Undaunted, Todd wrote a letter directly to Berkshire's vice chairman Charles Munger, and this time he struck a chord, and got a meeting. He carried the day and was ultimately selected, not because he is a brilliant investor, but because he would fit-in to Berkshire's no-fuss culture. There are two lessons here. The first is the virtue of tenacity and figuring out how to standout in the crowd especially in today's dynamic environment when competition is fierce. The other is to not underestimate the power of culture. In some companies it is just more important who you are, rather than what you can do.

Tony LoPinto is a senior client partner and head of Korn//Ferry International’s Real Estate Practice and founder of SelectLeaders. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

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Sales and On-line Marketing Manager
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Senior Commercial Real Estate Associate
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SELECTLEADERS
Vice President Business Development and Client Relations – Finance
(NEW YORK CITY) The VP will develop, establish, and maintain customer relationships among targeted groups; research and attend appropriate industry conferences, breakfast meetings, national and regional industry groups, promoting company brand at all times; call on principals among targeted clients to establish and enhance value-added relationships and source new business; and continually improve the "packaging" of the company's story and marketing materials; among other duties.

ING CLARION
Portfolio Management Analyst
(NEW YORK CITY) The analyst will assist with preparation and review of portfolio level and client reports; assist in the prep and presentation of preliminary and final investment memoranda to the firm's investment committee and portfolio management personnel; monitor and analyze the financial performance of the properties and portfolios; maintain portfolio models; and maintain property valuation files; among other duties.

AMERICAN REATLY ADVISORS
Senior Asset Management
(LOS ANGELES) The senior asset management will develop and implement strategic business plans for each asset that will govern its daily operations, position in the market, and ultimate disposition; negotiate tenant lease proposals and leases, working with third-party leasing agents and attorneys; and oversee the third-party property management groups for multiple product types; among other duties.

ATB FINANCIAL
Senior Manager – Corporate Facilities
(CALGARY) The senior manager provide leadership and direction for the team providing services to all owned and leased properties in Edmonton and Calgary, including assessment and review of all aspects of design, project management and property management; lead global initiatives and activities for ATB within the candidates area of expertise; and create and monitor building and construction budgets; among other duties.

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Managing Director
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HOLLIDAY FENOGLIO FOWLER, L.P.
Real Estate Analyst
(LOS ANGELES) The analyst will prepare commercial mortgage loan/sales packages for presentation to lenders and buyers; respond to lender and borrower questions; work with Production Coordinator on loan requests; and coordinate information regarding market data, occupancy data, expense analysis, aerials, maps, rent/sales, comparables and occupancy; among other duties.

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PERKOWITZ+RUTH ARCHITECTS
(LONG BEACH, CA) Perkowitz+Ruth Architects are promoting Tarek Anan and Michael Salmon to associate principals.

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FHO PARTNERS
(BOSTON) FHO Partners is hiring Colin Greenhalgh as an associate in the downtown brokerage practice area within Corporate Advisory Services. Prior to joining FHO Partners, Greenhalgh worked as an associate broker at GVA Thompson Hennessey & Partners.

INTERSTATE HOTELS & RESORTS
(ARLINGTON, VA) Interstate Hotels & Resorts is hiring Aaron Greenman as senior vice president, development - Europe. He previously served as head of business development for JHM Interstate, Interstate’s management joint venture in India.

KBW, INC.
(NEW YORK CITY) KBW is hiring Andrew Dietz as managing director and Simon Leopold as managing director in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group in New York. Previously, Leopold was a managing director at Deutsche Bank and Dietz was a founder and senior member of Eastdil Secured’s Private Equity Capital.

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL
(STAMFORD, CT) Colliers International is hiring Jeff Williams as a senior managing director and previously worked at Choyce Peterson, Inc. Enzennio Mallozzi is being hired as director in the firm’s investment sales division. Mallozzi previously worked for Soundview Wealth Management as a financial advisor.

JONES LANG LASALLE
(PHILADELPHIA) Jones Lang LaSalle is hiring Douglas Rodio and James Galbally as vice presidents, specializing in the sale of investment properties and distressed assets for private and institutional clients, developers, lenders and special servicers, as well as providing advisory services for corporate clients.

SPANDREL PROPERTY SERVICES
(NEW YORK CITY) Spandrel Property Services is hiring Vincent Adovasio as executive property manager. Most recently, Adovasio served as director of operations at Parkchester South Condominium Inc.

KLAFF REALTY, LP
(CHICAGO) Klaff Realty, LP is hiring Tad Wefel as director of acquisitions.

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