NEW YORK CITY—Industry veteran Michael J. McNamara has been named senior managing director and global head of real estate investments for Manulife Asset Management Private Markets.

McNamara joined Manulife Asset Management Private Markets, the private asset management arm of Toronto-based Manulife, on Sept. 29. He joined the firm after spending the last two years as senior vice president and head of acquisitions and dispositions for Brookfield Office Properties of New York City. Based in New York City, McNamara reports to Kevin J. E. Adolphe, president and CEO of Manulife Asset Management Private Markets and Manulife Real Estate.

In his new post, McNamara is responsible for the development and execution of the company's global real estate investment strategy, with a combined focus on institutional investor accounts as well as Manulife's general fund, company officials say.