Movers & Shakers: CushWake and CBRE name new top execs, Cox Castle partner moves on up … and more

Justin Collins and Caroline Dreyfus
Justin Collins and Caroline Dreyfus

The summer lull may be setting in, but the heat has not hampered the going-ons in L.A.’s real estate scene.

Cushman & Wakefield, for instance, has a new executive director. Justin Collins joined the DTLA office from Lincoln Property Company, where he was a senior vice president.

In his new role, Collins will represent owners, investors and developers in Southern California, according to a release from CushWake. Collins has over 9 million square feet of office leasing experience under his belt, including Downtown properties such as City National Plaza and Figueroa Tower. At Lincoln, he was involved with leasing the Bluffs at Playa Vista.

On the legal side of the industry, Cox Castle Nicholson partner Caroline Dreyfus was named the newest chair of the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Real Property Section. With nearly two decades of experience, Dreyfus was previously the vice chair.

“This is a proud moment for all of us at Cox Castle Nicholson,” said Mario Camara, senior partner on the firm’s executive committee. “The LACBA Real Property Section is the lifeblood of our industry and all that we do for our clients.”

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Dreyfus has worked for Cox Castle for nearly 16 years. Previously, practiced at Reed Smith LLP (formerly Crosby Heafey Roach & May) and Kutak Rock LLP.

CBRE also has a high-ranking new hire: Jonathan Schley joins the firm as a vice president. The real estate giant poached him out of his own firm, Schley, Inc., a development, investment, and advisory company that focused on retail and hospitality.

In his role at CBRE, Schley will work with senior vice president Andrew Turf on tenant and landlord representation.

“Despite some recent news headlines, for the right brands, the retail market has never been better,” said Turf said in a statement. “Now is a tremendous time to not only take advantage of high street vacancies, but also collaborate with aspiring brands to build an even greater audience like LVMH and Supreme have done.”

Schley’s 12-year career included luxury retail deals in New York, London, and Paris, collaborating with brands such as A.P.C., J.W. Anderson, Alexander Wang and Acne Studios.

Finally, on the other end of the real estate spectrum, Zachary Gingold has joined Sonnenblick-Eichner Company, a real estate investment banking firm based in Beverly Hills, as an associate. He will specialize in investment memos, financial analysis, and market research.