Brett White Leaving Cushman & Wakefield

It’s the end of an era for Cushman & Wakefield as it reshuffles its board leadership.

Brett White is retiring from his tenure as chairperson after serving the company for over ten years in various executive roles, the firm announced. White previously held positions as CEO and executive chairperson before transitioning to non-executive chairperson.

Steve Plavin will take over as non-executive chairperson starting Oct. 1. Plavin oversees European operations for Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies and will retire from that role in July. White will remain connected to the firm as a strategic advisor until February.

“Brett has been instrumental in shaping the Cushman & Wakefield we see today, serving in roles as CEO, Executive Chairman, and later, Non-Executive Chairman,” said CEO Michelle MacKay. “His unwavering commitment to his vision for the company has left an indelible mark.”

Under White’s leadership, the company completed its public listing and navigated the pandemic while making investments for expansion, according to MacKay, who credited him with positioning Cushman as “a global leader in the advisory and services sector.”

Plavin has worked in commercial real estate for 40 years, including leadership roles at Blackstone Mortgage Trust and Capital Trust, serving as CEO of both companies. His background also includes heading commercial real estate finance operations at Chase Bank and serving on multiple public company boards.

“I am honored to join Michelle and the other directors on the Board and to have the opportunity to contribute to the exciting future of this iconic, global company,” Plavin said.

The company will also add Susan Daimler, who recently left her role as Zillow’s president, and Timothy Wennes, former CEO of Santander US, as independent directors starting Aug. 1. Daimler oversaw $1.5 billion in annual revenue at Zillow and has experience in digital real estate platforms, while Wennes brings extensive banking expertise including commercial real estate finance.

The Cushman board will be composed entirely of independent directors except for MacKay.

Cushman & Wakefield reported revenue of $9.4 billion in 2024 and operates with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries.