Cushman & Wakefield Appoints Tom McDonnell as Northwest Executive Director
Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, has announced the appointment of Tom McDonnell as Executive Regional Director to lead its Northwest Region, which encompasses Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. In his new role, McDonnell will be based in San Francisco and report directly to Victoria Malkin, President of Americas Markets.
His leadership will focus on driving strategic growth initiatives, talent recruitment and retention, business development, and fostering cross-functional collaboration across Cushman & Wakefield’s service lines to optimize client outcomes.
The appointment of McDonnell marks a significant milestone for Cushman & Wakefield as it continues to strengthen its leadership team and expand its presence in the Northwest Region. The company’s strategic vision is centered on attracting top-tier professionals who can drive innovation and elevate the firm’s service offerings. With McDonnell’s extensive experience in leasing and asset management, as well as his strong track record of fostering client relationships, the firm is poised for continued growth and success.
“We are excited to welcome Tom back to the firm,” said Victoria Malkin, President of Americas Markets. “At Cushman & Wakefield, we are committed to recruiting the best and brightest talent, and Tom’s extensive background in leasing and asset management, along with his ability to build strong client relationships, will be instrumental as we continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our clients while expanding our presence in the Northwest.”
In addition to his responsibilities as Executive Regional Director, McDonnell will also take on the role of Head of Americas Office Agency Leasing. In this capacity, he will be responsible for leading strategic client engagement efforts, driving new business development opportunities, and implementing best practices across Cushman & Wakefield’s Office Agency Leasing platform. His leadership is expected to enhance the firm’s ability to deliver innovative and tailored real estate solutions to its clients.
McDonnell’s return to Cushman & Wakefield comes after a successful tenure at Shorenstein, where he served as National Leasing Director. During his time there, he oversaw the firm’s extensive 20 million-square-foot portfolio spanning 18 major U.S. markets. Over the course of his 20-year career, he successfully orchestrated more than 600 lease agreements, collectively valued at over $1 billion. His experience in managing high-profile leasing transactions, coupled with his strategic insight into market trends, positions him as a valuable asset to Cushman & Wakefield as it looks to expand its regional footprint.
Before joining Shorenstein, McDonnell was part of Cushman & Wakefield’s San Francisco office, where he specialized in tenant and landlord representation. His deep understanding of the commercial real estate landscape, combined with his ability to develop and execute complex leasing strategies, has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor within the industry.
“I’m thrilled to return to Cushman & Wakefield in this leadership role at such an exciting time for the firm,” said McDonnell. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams across the Northwest Region and beyond to accelerate business growth, enhance client partnerships, and deliver innovative real estate solutions. This is an exciting time for the firm and the industry, and I can’t wait to get started.”
McDonnell’s appointment aligns with Cushman & Wakefield’s broader strategy of strengthening its leadership team to navigate the evolving commercial real estate market. As the industry undergoes shifts due to changing work dynamics, economic factors, and technological advancements, having experienced leaders at the helm is crucial for sustained growth and adaptability.
The Northwest Region, which McDonnell will oversee, is a critical market for Cushman & Wakefield, with major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland serving as key hubs for business, technology, and innovation. The firm’s ability to deliver tailored real estate solutions in these markets is essential for meeting the diverse needs of its clients, ranging from major corporations to emerging startups.
As the commercial real estate industry continues to evolve, factors such as hybrid work models, shifting demand for office space, and sustainability initiatives are shaping the market landscape. McDonnell’s expertise in asset management and leasing will play a crucial role in helping clients navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Under McDonnell’s leadership, Cushman & Wakefield aims to further enhance its service offerings, leveraging data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and a client-centric approach to drive value. The firm’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its deep market knowledge, positions it as a leader in the real estate sector.
In recent years, Cushman & Wakefield has made significant investments in talent acquisition, technology integration, and market expansion to strengthen its competitive advantage. The firm’s ability to attract top industry professionals, such as McDonnell, underscores its commitment to excellence and its vision for long-term growth.
McDonnell’s return to the firm not only reflects Cushman & Wakefield’s dedication to bringing in high-caliber talent but also highlights the company’s strong reputation as a preferred employer within the industry. His leadership is expected to have a meaningful impact on both internal teams and external client partnerships, reinforcing the firm’s position as a trusted advisor in the real estate market.
As McDonnell steps into his new role, industry stakeholders will be closely watching how his strategic initiatives unfold and how Cushman & Wakefield continues to shape the future of commercial real estate in the Northwest Region. His track record of success, combined with his deep industry knowledge, makes him well-equipped to drive positive change and deliver results for clients and stakeholders alike.
The appointment of McDonnell signals an exciting new chapter for Cushman & Wakefield as it continues to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation. With a focus on collaboration, client engagement, and strategic growth, the firm is well-positioned to navigate the evolving real estate landscape and capitalize on new opportunities in the market.
As Cushman & Wakefield embarks on this next phase of expansion and transformation, McDonnell’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future trajectory. His passion for real estate, combined with his ability to drive results, will be instrumental in achieving the firm’s ambitious goals and reinforcing its reputation as a premier real estate services provider.
