Massey picks SL green exec to run potential mayoral campaign

The Cushman i-sales broker hasn’t yet formally announced his candidacy

Paul Massey and David Amsterdam
Paul Massey and David Amsterdam

Cushman & Wakefield’s Paul Massey is one step closer to challenging Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017.

The co-founder of Massey Knakal Realty Services is tapping SL Green executive David Amsterdam as his campaign manager if and when Massey decides to run for mayor.

Amsterdam joined SL Green in 2011 as a vice president for leasing. He represented the firm in house on its deal to lease 53,000 square feet at 328 West 34th Street to Music Choice earlier this year.

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“Yes, Mr. Massey has had extensive discussions with David Amsterdam, whom he greatly trusts and admires,” a spokesperson for Massey told Commercial Observer. “And, yes, if Paul were to run for mayor, Mr. Amsterdam would be his number one choice to serve as campaign CEO. That’s all I can say for now.”

Massey, who along with partner Robert Knakal, sold his namesake firm to Cushman & Wakefield in 2014 for $100 million, has been toying with a mayoral run for the better part of a year.

“This isn’t a tale of two cities; it’s a tale of one city and it can be great for everyone,” Massey told Crain’s last year, riffing on de Blasio’s famous campaign slogan. [CO]Ariel Stulberg