Chris Livingston has joined the Cleveland office of CBRE (NYSE: CBRE) from the Avison Young real estate brokerage office here that he launched eight years ago.
Livingston, who has more than 25 years in the industry, said in a phone interview he switched firms from Toronto-based Avison Young for Dallas-based CBRE because he “had an itch” to focus all his efforts on production.
“While I’ve enjoyed my time in management,” Livingston said, “I’m excited to focus on what attracted me to this business over 25 years ago — helping clients. CBRE’s people, platform and resources made for a compelling opportunity and will support me well in the next chapter of my career.”
With the move, he trades the title of managing director at Avison Young for senior vice president at CBRE. In the interview, he said CBRE’s larger global platform attracted him to the company, as well as working with multiple colleagues at CBRE he has known through the years at different firms.
Michael Copella, CBRE senior managing director and Ohio market leader, said in a statement: “Chris is highly regarded in our industry, having worked on major transactions across the country for a long list of occupiers and investors. We are excited to support him with an industry-leading platform that will only enhance his ability to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients.”
At CBRE, he joins the largest commercial real estate brokerage and management staff in Northeast Ohio, with 68 licensed and 360 full-time employees.
The Avison Young Cleveland office remains in operation with two active agents. However, Avison Young did not provide a response to questions about Livingston’s exit by 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, March 15.
Livingston said he broadened his geographic scope working at Avison Young, but the CBRE position presented the right opportunity for him to move on.
Although Livingston’s initial experience was in the office sector — he worked for Galbreath Co. when the Columbus developer was doing initial leasing for the Fifth Third Center, 600 Superior Ave. — he said he has broadened his practice to include health care, corporate and industrial services. He also worked at the Cleveland office of JLL Inc.
