RKF Recruits Brazilian CRE Rock Star

Before joining RKF, Alex Cesar led JLL’s retail department in Brazil.

MIAMI— Alex Cesar has switched allegiances. The former head of JLL ‘s Brazil office has jumped on board RKF’s ship. Cesar will serve as senior director in the firm’s Miami office . He brings over 15 years of experience in retail real estate and has worked with several leading US and international brands as they expanded into new markets. “With his extensive experience and first-hand knowledge of the business environment and culture in key Latin American countries, Alex will be a crucial driver of our expansion in South Florida,” Robert Futterman , chairman and CEO of RKF, tells GlobeSt.com. “Alex will strengthen the bridge between the Latin American and US retail markets.” Before joining RKF, Cesar led JLL’s retail department in Brazil. There he spearheaded tenant representation, agency leasing, market studies and capital markets activities. Cesar previously served as leasing director for BR Malls, overseeing leasing of a portfolio comprising 3 million square feet of space in six malls in southeastern Brazil. He worked on major retail real estate transactions in the sportswear and active wear industries, including store openings tied to events such as the 2014 Soccer World Cup and the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “I was drawn to RKF because of the firm’s successful track record and leading position in the industry—both here in Miami and in the most significant urban retail markets in the US,” Cesar tells GlobeSt.com. “The high caliber of RKF’s executives and its portfolio, and the scope of the firm’s expertise in all areas, are so impressive.” Cesar has worked extensively with brands in the fashion, jewelry and cosmetics industries, as well as with notable restaurant chains such as Vapiano. The Nike Factory Store in Recife, Brazil—the largest of the brand’s stores in Latin America—along with sports equipment retailer Oakley’s flagship store in Ipanema, and Brazilian urban fashion retailer Osklen’s flagship store in Miami are among his most notable attractions. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English, Cesar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Brazil Florida Business Council. Five years later, the Bal Harbour Shops are still trying to expand. Get all the details .