“Leah will bring tremendous capabilities to CBRE. She is an exceptional executive who has risen rapidly in her career and has had significant responsibilities in financial management, operational leadership and international activities. Her background is well suited to help us drive our strategy,” says Bob Sulentic, the company's president and chief executive officer.

CBRE states that Stearns' appointment will enable Jim Groch to focus full time on his responsibilities as the company's Global Group President and Chief Investment Officer. As previously announced, Groch's primary duties are leading the company's merger-and-acquisition activities and allocating capital into its real estate investments businesses.

Stearns joined American Tower, one of the largest global REITs, in 2001. In her current role, she has responsibility for finance and accounting, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain, operational tax planning, and other aspects of the company's U.S. business. She also previously served as CEO of American Tower's EMEA division.

Stearns holds an MBA from Boston College and a BS from Boston University, both with honors. She serves on the board of a non-profit organization, the Brookline Center, which seeks to provide access to high-quality mental health services, regardless of one's ability to pay.