10/29/18 – Avison Young, the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm, announced today that Howard Roth has been engaged as an independent advisor and will report to CEO Mark Rose.
Most recently global head of EY’s real estate, hospitality and construction practice, Roth will provide advice and counsel to Rose and the Avison Young management team on the direction and implementation of the company’s growth strategy. Roth’s role will include advising on strategic acquisitions and capital transactions, supporting the firm’s expanded global footprint in new markets in Europe and Asia, and direct involvement in key corporate projects that require seasoned leadership and experience.
Today’s announcement follows the appointment of Carol Johnson as an independent Director in May 2018 and the addition of two representatives of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) to Avison Young’s Board in July 2018, when CDPQ made a C$250-million preferred-equity investment in Avison Young.
“The creation of Howard’s new independent advisor role and the three earlier Board additions demonstrate that Avison Young is committed to assigning prominent leaders throughout our organization and strengthening our commitment to outstanding client service and corporate governance,” comments Rose, who is also Avison Young’s Board Chair.
Rose continues: “We are thrilled to have the benefit of Howard’s independent strategic advice, thought leadership and global network as Avison Young continues to implement its aggressive global expansion program. Howard is a highly regarded corporate leader with 40 years of experience providing results-oriented services and consultation to boards and C-suite executives in the real estate sector. He is one of the most recognized leaders in real estate professional services, and we are confident that his advice and counsel will add great value to our organization and to me personally.”
Roth was previously a member of EY’s global practice group, which comprised senior leaders of the firm’s global partnership. Earlier in his 32-year tenure with EY, he led the company’s New York real estate industry and tax practices.
“I am excited to work with Mark Rose and the Avison Young organization,” says Roth, who is based in New York. “Avison Young’s growth during Mark’s 10-year tenure as CEO has been nothing short of extraordinary. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my knowledge, experience and insights in support of the company’s strategic vision. I believe there are several areas where I can add significant value to the company’s continued accelerated growth trajectory.”
Roth is a Certified Public Accountant, former trustee and governor of the Urban Land Institute, and a member of NAREIT and the National Association of Corporate Directors. He has been a speaker at various key industry events, a columnist for major industry publications and a commentator for television and radio outlets.
Avison Young is the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,600 real estate professionals in 84 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services
