Kern says Gries is coming to LaSalle “during an important period of growth for our regional and global business. His deep understanding of the US property markets and proven track record, both as an investor and a leader, will be a key driver of growth and performance for our current and prospective clients. I also personally look forward to adding Brad to my senior leadership team and am confident that he will be a great fit with LaSalle's strong culture of collaboration and client service.”

CHICAGO—Brad Gries is joining LaSalle Investment Management as head of US acquisitions, effective August 18. Most recently with Deutsche Asset Management, Gries succeeds Derek Lopez, who left LaSalle earlier this year for a position with locally based GEM Realty Capital.

Gries will be based in LaSalle's global headquarters in Chicago, overseeing a team of 20 acquisitions professionals responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and executing new investments across the US. Along with developing and leading the US acquisitions group, he'll be an active participant in the firm's capital raising efforts, and will focus on continuously elevating investment performance for LaSalle's clients, the company said Monday.

In this capacity, Gries will serve on the LaSalle Americas investment committee, the LaSalle Americas management board and the LaSalle US allocations committee, reporting to LaSalle Americas CEO Jason Kern. As a senior member of LaSalle Americas, Brad will be directly involved in the formation and successful execution of joint ventures and large portfolio transactions, while helping to introduce sophisticated global investor clients to large US investment opportunities.

Gries brings more than 20 years' industry experience to LaSalle. Most recently, he spent 16 years with Deutsche Asset Management, Americas Real Assets in a variety of leadership roles, most recently serving as managing director, real estate transactions. In this role, he led the acquisition team responsible for new investment initiatives in the Central and Southeast regions, including investments in all property types and throughout the risk spectrum.

Kern says Gries is coming to LaSalle “during an important period of growth for our regional and global business. His deep understanding of the US property markets and proven track record, both as an investor and a leader, will be a key driver of growth and performance for our current and prospective clients. I also personally look forward to adding Brad to my senior leadership team and am confident that he will be a great fit with LaSalle's strong culture of collaboration and client service.”