Lew Horne

LA, OC and Inland Empire President, CBRE

Horne has spent four decades at CBRE, rising to oversee the firm’s Southern California asset services, capital markets and valuation teams — and becoming one of the most connected figures in the region’s commercial real estate community.

He stands as the face of the brand for the region that served as CBRE’s headquarters until the firm decamped from downtown Los Angeles for Dallas in late 2020. The move hasn’t diminished Horne’s standing among best-connected local players, whether its commercial real estate or broader civic picture. 

Horne began his career as an industrial broker in the San Fernando Valley in the 1980s and steadily expanded his remit as CBRE grew into the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm. More recently, his role has extended beyond transactions. In the aftermath of the January 2025 wildfires, Horne organized more than 100 industry professionals to produce “Project Recovery,” a 175-page report outlining recommendations for rebuilding efforts.

He has also spoken publicly about the region’s persistent homelessness crisis, an issue with personal resonance. Horne’s brother died in an encampment several years ago, an experience that has informed how he talks about the limits of real estate solutions to deeply entrenched social problems.