July 18, 2025

Real Estate Firms Strengthen Leadership with New Appointments

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JLL, Waterton, Colliers, Cortland, and Toro Development

JLL is a global leader in real estate services with a strong presence in Phoenix, AZ, offering expertise in office leasing and property management. Waterton specializes in multifamily property investments and development, with a significant impact on the multifamily housing market nationally. Colliers is a prominent real estate services firm focusing on retail leasing and advisory, supporting both landlords and tenants. Cortland is a well-established real estate company known for its innovative marketing and branding strategies within the industry. Toro Development Co. is a prominent development firm with extensive experience in large-scale mixed-use projects, trusted for its comprehensive site planning, design, and construction capabilities. Together, these firms continue to shape the real estate landscape through strategic growth and leadership.

News Summary

Major real estate firms, including JLL, Waterton, Colliers, Cortland, and Toro Development, have announced executive appointments aimed at enhancing their leadership teams. The strategic hires, featuring experienced professionals like Sean Spellman and John Gray, showcase the competitive landscape of the industry. Each firm is focusing on tailored expertise to drive growth and innovation in their operations. These appointments reflect a commitment to providing top-tier services in real estate.

Phoenix, AZ – The real estate sector continues to evolve as major firms such as JLL, Waterton, Colliers, Cortland, and Toro Development announce significant executive appointments. These strategic hires reflect the competitive landscape of the industry and highlight the firms’ commitment to growth and innovation.

JLL, a global leader in real estate services, has appointed Sean Spellman as managing director in its Phoenix office. Spellman brings 18 years of office leasing experience, having previously served in senior vice president roles in office brokerage. His expertise includes marketing and leasing institutional-level properties across the Phoenix region. Prior to joining JLL, Spellman was with CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield, where he honed his skills in managing high-profile real estate projects.

Waterton, a company known for its investment in multifamily properties, has named John Gray as managing partner and chief investment officer. Gray will take over from Richard Hurd, who will retire after a successful 12-year tenure. Gray’s onboarding is set for October 6, and a transition period is expected before Hurd’s departure in early 2026. With nearly 20 years of experience in investment and development, Gray most recently served as CEO of Fabric Housing, leading national multifamily development efforts. His previous experience includes a decade with homebuilder Lennar and early career roles at Grandbridge Real Estate Capital and Crescent Communities.

Colliers has made strides in its recruitment by hiring Sophia Ferguson as an associate for its Philadelphia regional retail services. Ferguson will concentrate on leasing within the Center City and Main Line neighborhoods, focusing on both landlord and tenant clients. She is also an inaugural participant in the Colliers Acceleration Program, designed to support recent graduates and emerging professionals through mentorship and hands-on experience. Ferguson gained valuable experience through internships at JLL and Coldwell Banker Commercial Atlantic before her role at Colliers.

In a move to strengthen its marketing strategy, Cortland has appointed Carol Hoeller as its new chief marketing officer. Hoeller joins the company after a 12-year tenure at IHG Hotels & Resorts, where she directed investor marketing and global branding initiatives for premium brands. Her extensive background also includes positions at Newell Rubbermaid, Home Depot, Pulte Homes, and EarthLink. At Cortland, Hoeller will enhance marketing, branding, and the customer experience, particularly in engaging capital markets audiences and institutional investors.

Toro Development Co. has bolstered its development team by hiring David Pugh and Justin Long as vice presidents of development. Pugh and Long will be tasked with overseeing site planning, design, construction, and overall development operations. Both professionals have previously collaborated with Toro on large mixed-use projects in Atlanta while working at North American Properties. Pugh has over 35 years of experience in multifamily and mixed-use development, having held senior roles at Post Properties, Camden, Summit, Davis Development, and North American Properties. Long brings over 20 years of experience in commercial construction and development, with prior roles at Crescent Communities and Seefried Industrial Properties.

These appointments signify a robust trend in the real estate industry as firms like JLL, Waterton, Colliers, Cortland, and Toro Development focus on enhancing their leadership teams with experienced professionals. The strategic hires aim to drive company growth while providing clients with the highest level of expertise in real estate services.