NEW YORK CITY—Former CBRE retail broker Jedd Nero has joined Avison Young. With more than 25 years of retail real estate experience, Nero is now a principal and executive managing director. He will work closely with Avison Young's executive leadership and tri-state president Arthur Mirante to grow the firm's retail services platform in New York City, including recruiting retail real estate specialists. He also will represent landlords and retailers in all aspects of their retail space needs.

Previously an EVP at CBRE, Nero's position at Avison Young was created for him after the company's offer simply was too good to pass up, he tells GlobeSt.com. “What attracted me was the principal led culture, which was new for me, and it's exciting. Having a vested interest, and having others here be in the same position, raises the bar of what we can bring to the table for customers.”

Avison's unique structure is too appealing for other real estate companies not to consider, he notes. “I think other firms may follow suit. It's certainly going to the shake the tree and make people think twice about how our business operates. The collaborative feeling here is real.”

Nero was uncertain at press time—his first day on the job—of just how many people he will be hiring to fill out the retail operation.  “The goal is to develop an A-team with top quality people at all levels.” he says. “We're open to count as we grow, which we'll do as soon as possible. I'm looking for Manhattan experience, both on the landlord and tenant side.” The practice later will move into the outer boroughs.

The firm's hires thus far that have been made because of its set up also boosted its allure, Nero states. “Avison Young is growing rapidly and the pool of talent it's been able to attract all over the country also was an enticement. It made me see that there was something new and refreshing out there.”

Still, he had nothing negative to say about CBRE. “I was there for for 12 years and it's wonderful company with great people. I have a lot of friend there and I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to do business with them.” CBRE declined to comment.

Former CBRE colleague Greg Kraut, a principal at Avison Young, is pleased with the hire, he tells GlobeSt.com. “Jedd is an amazing person and broker. We are fortunate to have somebody of his integrity and productivity.  I worked with him at CBRE and he enjoys a stellar reputation.  We waited a couple of years to find somebody that fits our culture.”

Adds Mark Rose, chair and CEO of Avison Young, “We see this as a critical step in building a world-class retail services platform. “As part of our larger strategy to differentiate our brand and provide our clients with fully integrated services across all disciplines, we will continue to strengthen our presence in key markets throughout the U.S. and abroad with strategic recruitment of the industry's top professionals.”

Sayss Mirante. “The local market knowledge and depth of client experiences and relationships that Jedd brings to Avison Young, combined with the company's innovative client-service model, will significantly impact our presence not only in the Tri-State market, but throughout the country. Our ability to attract this caliber of talent is a true testament to the exceptional and thriving culture that we have established.”

Nero has managed the real estate requirements for a number of national and international retailers, includingHugo Boss USA, Kenneth Cole, Volkswagen/Audi and JP Morgan Chase. In particular, he has been influential in shaping the retail landscape of Fifth Avenue, where he most recently represented Western Management at 589 Fifth Ave. in the signing of a milestone deal with H&M for 57,000 square feet. This complex transaction created the largest H&M store in the world to date at that time, providing H&M with six floors of retail space. He also secured space for auto giant Chrysler, recently completing a 110,000-sf deal in which he placed the company at 629-641 W. 54th St.

In addition to tenant representation, Nero has served as leasing agent for numerous prominent property owners, including Silverstein Properties, Muss Development, Western Management, The Moinian Group, Mitsui Fudosan, Douglaston Development, Gallery Partners, The Statuto Group and Starwood. 

“Jedd's proven track record and experience align perfectly with our culture, which continues to be a differentiator for us,” notes Earl Webb, Avison Young president, US operations. “Bringing Jedd on board will allow us to elevate our tri-state market presence and create regional synergies in servicing the needs of our client base, as well as offer us the opportunity to build our retail group in one of the world's foremost retail markets.”