Avison Young appoints new leader of Chicago market

Avison Young appoints new leader of Chicago market April 4, 2022

Damla Gerhart joins as Principal and Managing Director

Chicago – Avison Young announced today the strategic appointment of Damla Gerhart as Principal and Managing Director of the firm’s Chicago office. She will lead the team in client-focused strategies that drive business development and attract top talent in the greater Chicago area.

“Damla has had a dynamic career building and empowering a national consulting practice and leading a large team of tenant rep transaction professionals,” said Juan Bueno, Principal and U.S. President. “Her expertise and natural leadership will be an added boost to Avison Young’s growing market share across the Chicago region.”

Gerhart brings to the firm more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate, focusing on transaction team formation, talent recruitment and providing occupier solutions for clients throughout Chicago. In her most recent role with CBRE, she led the Office Occupier Tenant Rep team for downtown and the suburbs.  Prior to that, she led the Workplace Strategy, Design & Engineering advisory business for the Americas where she focused on business development, team expansion, revenue growth and thought leadership.

“Avison Young is very clear in their purpose of creating social, economic and environmental value throughout every aspect of their business, which is really important to me,” commented Gerhart. “Not only are they a people-focused company, but their unique and leading-edge technology platform is really compelling for a data nerd like me and I’m eager to share that value with our clients."

Gerhart was recognized as one of GlobeSt. Real Estate Forum’s 2020 Women of Influence in the consultant/advisor category. She is also actively involved in professional organizations such as Leadership Greater Chicago, where Chicago’s most promising professionals and leaders are selected and immersed in major socioeconomic issues facing the city and build connections that facilitate solutions. She is also involved with CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter, CREW Chicago, NAIOP, The Executives’ Club of Chicago and the Chicago Chapter of the International Women’s Forum.

Avison Young creates real economic, social and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. As a private company, our clients collaborate with an empowered partner who is invested in their success. Our integrated talent realizes the full potential of real estate by using global intelligence platforms that provide clients with insights and advantage. Together, we can create healthy, productive workplaces for employees, cities that are centers for prosperity for their citizens, and built spaces and places that create a net benefit to the economy, the environment and the community.

Avison Young is a 2021 winner of the Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation, having retained its Best Managed designation for 10 consecutive years.

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