Binswanger appoints Hipschman as CEO of CBRE

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Binswanger announced Jeffrey Hipschman as CEO on Aug. 12, the first non-family leader in the company’s more than 90-year history.

Effective immediately, CBRE’s former longtime New Jersey market leader succeeds David Binswanger at the Philadelphia-based full-service commercial real estate firm. The former CEO will transition to managing director and board member, joining longtime partner Jeff Binswanger to continue guiding the business.

The transition in leadership is also significant in Binswanger’s evolution from a family-owned business to an employee-owned company, which began in 2017.

“There comes a time in any family business when an independent set of eyes can bring fresh perspectives that not only honor the legacy and values ​​that have been created, but also imagine other horizons that were not prioritized,” said David Binswanger.

Jeff Binswanger added: “Mr. Hipschman brings a great perspective to two of the most important companies in the industry and his energy and personality are contagious. We look forward to seeing where he can take us.”

Hipschman’s career spans more than three decades leading professional advisory firms in the financial services and commercial real estate sectors. Since 2009, he has served as senior managing director and market leader for CBRE’s New Jersey offices. In that role, he was responsible for leading all service lines, as well as guiding industrial and logistics strategy.

Prior to CBRE, Hipschman led operations and technology initiatives at Savills Inc., predecessor of Julien J. Studley Inc. He began his career working at Salomon Brothers and Lehman Brothers as an equity trading systems specialist.

‘A special honour and challenge’

Looking ahead, Binswanger says Hipschman plans to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration and growth.

“I am grateful to join the Binswanger team to aggressively focus on delivering unique real estate solutions to clients across the country and around the world,” Hipschman said. “With an energetic employee ownership perspective and Binswanger’s distinctive culture of creativity and collaboration, we look forward to growing our firm and leveraging the deep expertise of our colleagues for the benefit of our clients and partners.”

The company’s expertise spans multiple disciplines, including engineering, life sciences, aerospace, food and logistics. Hipschman will lead the company’s growth and expansion in the U.S. and globally from its headquarters in Philadelphia, in addition to serving on the company’s board of directors, Binswanger said.

“Following generations of Binswanger company leaders is both an honor and a special challenge,” Hipschman said. “The family’s impact on the company, our industry and the Philadelphia community is legendary and indelible. I am thrilled to become David and Jeff’s colleague and protégé in building the next chapter of the Binswanger legacy of unparalleled industry expertise combined with the personal perspective and dedication that only an employee-owned company can provide.”

Local changes at CBRE

Separately, CBRE also announced executive changes on August 12.

Following her promotion, Kelly Conaway will serve as managing director for the Philadelphia region. The role includes oversight of Philadelphia, Delaware, southern New Jersey, the Lehigh Valley and central Pennsylvania. Previously, Conaway led the Northeast marketing department for nearly 20 years, according to CBRE.

CBRE’s announcement did not mention Hipschman or the firm’s position as market leader in New Jersey.

“During her tenure at CBRE, Kelly has earned recognition and praise for her strategic leadership and has been promoted to Director of Marketing for the Northeast. As Director, she has supported business development, management of existing accounts and brand expansion to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Additionally, her keen focus on driving revenue growth and market share makes this move a natural progression,” said Rija Beares, Market Leader for Greater Philadelphia. “Diane Weinberg and I look forward to working with Kelly to continue driving growth in the region.”

At CBRE, Conaway serves as a mentor in the EMPOWER and EMERGE mentoring programs. She is also active in the CBRE Women’s Network and Black Excellence, among others.

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