The FINANCIAL — Cushman & Wakefield has named Executive Vice Chairman Joanne Podell the company’s top producer worldwide for 2016.
In 2016, she spearheaded the largest retail transaction in New York City when she represented Nike in a 70,000 square foot lease for its flagship store at 650 Fifth Avenue. Last year, Ms. Podell closed transactions totaling over 180,000 square feet. In addition to the Nike transaction, she spearheaded leases on behalf of tenant clients like Ann Taylor and Dean & DeLuca; among her landlord clients were Empire State Realty Trust, The Reise Organization, Jack Resnick & Sons, TIAA-CREF, The Trump Organziation, and The Moinian Group, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
This is the first time Ms. Podell has secured this designation. She joins Tara Stacom, an Executive Vice Chairman who was named top producer for 2015, as the second woman in the firm’s history to achieve top broker status. Additionally, at the firm’s recent Tri-State Region Recognition Ceremony, Ms. Podell was named top producer by service line (retail) and market (Manhattan).
“Joanne demonstrates a tireless work ethic and dedication to providing her clients with solutions that transcend real estate,” said Brett White, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield. “In addition, Joanne is extremely committed to mentoring her team, sharing her expertise with the next generation of professionals. She is a true champion of our brand, and I am extremely proud of her.”
Ms. Podell, who has been with Cushman & Wakefield for over 13 years, is one of the most widely respected retail brokerage professionals in the commercial real estate industry. In her 20-plus years of commercial real estate experience, she has specialized in both tenant and landlord representation in lease negotiations throughout Manhattan.
“Joanne is vital to our business in the Americas. She embodies our culture by bringing our entire platform to her clients, solving some of their most complex challenges,” said Tod Lickerman, Chief Executive, Americas for Cushman & Wakefield.
Throughout her career, Ms. Podell has often been ranked as the top retail service line producer at Cushman & Wakefield and has also been renowned for being one of the most successful retail brokers not only in New York City, but in the country. She has been involved in many of Manhattan’s most prestigious retail assignments and oversees site acquisition and strategic disposition for many well-known national and international tenants. Some of Ms. Podell’s notable career transactions include Nike’s SoHo flagship at 560 Broadway; securing Foot Locker, Sephora, Swatch, and Target for 112 West 34th Street; and TD Bank’s Manhattan rollout, which to date has resulted in over 50 stores.
“Joanne not only goes above and beyond for her clients, but puts a significant amount of effort towards the professional development of all of her team members,” said John Santora, Vice Chairman, President of New York Tri-State Region for Cushman & Wakefield. “Joanne’s legacy was cemented long before this award. She exemplifies the spirit of Cushman & Wakefield.”
Ms. Podell currently serves on the REBNY Commercial Board of Directors, the Board of New York Women Executives in Real Estate (WX) and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Additionally, she is the former chair of the REBNY Retail Stores Committee.
Joanne Podell is one of many Cushman & Wakefield Tri-State Region professionals who have performed at the highest levels in their respective sectors. New York’s James Nelson, Vice Chairman, and Richard Bernstein, Executive Vice Chairman, ranked as “Top Capital Markets Producer” and “Top Office Producer,” respectively, and New Jersey’s Charles Fern, Executive Managing Director, ranked as “Top Industrial Producer” in 2016, nationwide.
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