LOS ANGELES-Lee & Associates has named 34-year industry veteran and longtime principal Duncan Lemmon as president of its West Los Angeles office as part of the company's continuing expansion and its bolstering of management. Lemmon succeeds Dave Wilson, who continues with Lee as an active shareholder and principal.

For the past 14 years, Lemmon has been a principal and shareholder in the Sherman Oaks office of Lee, specializing in retail, land and investments. The naming of Lemmon, who has spent more than half his career with Lee & Associates, "is another sign of our commitment to the major markets throughout the US,” said Lee & Associates CEO Edward J. Indvik in an announcement regarding the appointment.

Indvik said Lee’s West Los Angeles office has "carved a niche as a pioneer in the conversion of industrial and commercial buildings into entertainment and creative space since opening its doors 16 years ago." In his new role, Lemmon will look to further expand Lee’s stretch into all real estate disciplines, including retail/mixed use, office, investment and industrial to match the office’s depth in the creative/entertainment sector, the company said in its announcement. Lemmon noted that Lee is recruiting both seasoned and new brokers "in order to help meet our goals over the next few years in these disciplines."

Since its founding in 1979, Lee & Associates has grown to a commercial real estate brokerage firm of 43 offices managed by the presidents and managing partners. A board of directors, elected from the pool of presidents/managing partners, is responsible for setting policy and shaping Lee’s strategic direction. Lee & Associates most recently has added its Greenville, SC and Kansas City, KS and Indianapolis offices, with more slated to come on board in 2011 and beyond.