CBRE reshuffles leadership, gives oversight of advisory and GWS businesses to COO

CBRE, a global real estate services and investment firm, has given oversight of its advisory services and global workplace solutions (GWS) businesses to Vikram Kohli, chief operating officer.

The senior executives who lead the two businesses will now report to Kohli and will collaborate to align the business more closely on client-facing and cost efficiency perspectives, the firm said in a press release on Friday.

Kohli, who was named COO last year, will continue to oversee CBRE’s digital & technology and research teams. Based in the firm’s Dallas headquarters, Kohli previously served as global group president for business intelligence. Before that, he was COO for the Southeast Asia region and executive director for sales management in Asia-Pacific.

“Vikram joined us in our India brokerage business in 2001, and since then, has excelled in key roles across multiple geographies. He is a compelling leader with an exceptional level of strategic, financial, and digital capability,” said Bob Sulentic, CBRE’s chair and chief executive officer. “Our Advisory and GWS segments, both of which lead their respective sectors globally, will be more connected, leaner and better positioned to deliver superior integrated client solutions under his leadership.”

Jack Durburg, who previously was CEO for advisory services, will now lead the US and Canada advisory business. Chris Kirk, who served as COO for advisory, will now lead the international advisory business.

Chandra Dhandapani, who served as CEO for GWS, will transition responsibilities and leave CBRE in September, while the leaders of GWS enterprise and GWS local businesses will report to Kohli.

“We greatly appreciate everything that Chandra has done for CBRE and wish her continued career success,” Sulentic said.

CBRE is the largest commercial real estate services and investment firm in the world, based on 2023 revenue, with 130,000 employees globally. The Fortune 500 company offers services in facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services; and development services.