He will also serve on Avison Young's global enterprise solutions team, which comprises more than 225 members around the globe. The team addresses the pressing challenges, and serves the unique needs, of multi-location, multi-service clients. It is focused on sourcing best-in-class research, services, expertise, vendors and resources from across the company's broad platform and vast networks, and then seamlessly integrating optimal solutions for clients, the brokerage firm states.

"We are pleased to have Drew join Avison Young's growing New Jersey office and welcome him as our company's newest principal," says Heller. "He is recognized as a top producer and his 30 years of success, combined with his strong work ethic and cultural fit, bring a valued and well-respected leader to our office. Our entire team looks forward to drawing on his exceptional track record and leadership skills as we continue to expand our footprint across the state."

Prior to joining Newmark Knight Frank, Persson was a senior managing director with Colliers International for more than a decade and held other positions with CBRE and Atlantic Real Estate Services in New Jersey. He has extensive experience in multiple specialty areas, including commercial real estate expansion and relocation feasibility; global location strategy and site-selection methodology; supply-chain and real-estate process improvement; property acquisitions and dispositions; economic development; ownership services and retention strategic planning.

"I'm excited about joining Avison Young's talented team of professionals in New Jersey, and to be a part of the company's Principal-led, collaborative culture," says Persson. "I look forward to working side-by-side with my new Avison Young colleagues in New Jersey and throughout the company's global network as we create and provide optimal solutions for our clients' unique real estate and business needs."

Persson has received many awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Co-Star Power Broker awards. In 2008, he was named a Real Estate New Jersey 40 Under 40 rising star in the commercial real estate sector. He holds the CoreNet Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR) professional designation and previously served on the New Jersey boards of the Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Rider University.