(13 December 2017, Hong Kong) Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in commercial real estate services, announces it has named John Forrester as Global President. The move reflects the value in Forrester’s strong leadership skills and expertise delivering for the firm’s clients and, equally, is in keeping with the firm’s growth strategy and commitment to leading change in the real estate industry two years on from its global merger with DTZ.
John Forrester, Cushman & Wakefield Global President
As Global President Forrester will have day-to-day operational and management oversight of the firm’s four global regions of the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and Greater China. He will also be responsible for developing the firm’s range of services to satisfy clients’ evolving needs. The global role, working closely with CEO Brett White, will be based in London.
Brett White, CEO, said: “We have been growing on all fronts, making acquisitions, adding services, and taking market share. Now is the time to ensure we have the right people in place to drive us forward for the next phase of our growth. John is a remarkable leader who has run large, complex organizations, has extensive knowledge of global real estate markets and is a trusted advisor to leading global occupiers and investors. He is ideally placed to ensure our regional businesses work together effectively to capitalize on the increasingly global nature of client requirements and opportunities.”
Forrester vacates his role as Chief Executive EMEA with Colin Wilson succeeding him. Wilson vacates the role of Head of UK & Ireland, with George Roberts taking up the title. All roles are effective December 1, 2017.
Pre-merger, Forrester served as Chief Executive EMEA at DTZ, which he joined in 1988. He also acted as Group Chief Executive of DTZ Holdings plc and led the formal sale process of the company in 2011.
Under his leadership, Cushman & Wakefield’s EMEA business has been strengthened by strategic appointments and acquisitions – including Cogest Retail (Italy), DTZ Zadelhoff (Netherlands) and ADMOS (Belgium & Luxembourg).
John Forrester, Global President, said: “It is an honor to take on this role. We are a very different organization to the one we were at during the merger and as we’ve grown we’ve remained entrepreneurial and action-orientated. That’s important as the industry is changing fast. We must lead that charge while maintaining our constant focus on providing the best advice to our amazing clients in every major market and service line around the world.
“Colin and George embody this client-first focus as market leaders who have become outstanding business leaders. They have the skills and experience to grow our EMEA and UK & Ireland operations for the benefit of our clients and our great people.”