Dave Brown, a veteran of more than 25 years working for premier firms in the U.S. mall industry, has joined CBRE to lead its retail specialty leasing and alternative revenue practice.
Brown, a senior vice president based in Chicago, specializes in representing retail-center owners in negotiations and interactions with temporary and pop-up stores, kiosks and retail carts. He also handles alternative-revenue assignments such as vending, mobile marketing, advertising displays and product sampling.
Brown’s expertise was developed through more than two decades working for stalwarts of the mall industry, most recently as president of Covington Realty Partners. Prior to Covington, he worked for mall owner GGP in specialty leasing and strategic partnerships. Earlier years of his career were spent at Urban Retail Properties, RREEF and The Rouse Co.
“Dave brings a valuable skill set to CBRE in that specialty retailers are an integral and growing component of creating a compelling consumer experience at malls,” said Mark Hunter, CBRE managing director of retail asset services and leader of the company’s mall practice. “In addition, his experience in identifying and executing alternative-revenue strategies will prove useful to mall owners seeking additional revenue sources that enhance their properties.”
His arrival further expands CBRE’s mall practice, which Hunter started building upon his arrival at CBRE in early 2016. Since then, CBRE has tripled its mall square footage under management and hired additional national experts in leasing and marketing for malls, lifestyle centers and outlet centers.
“Dave is an important addition to our growing retail practice at a time when many investors in shopping centers, both new and seasoned landlords, are looking for guidance on how to adapt in the evolving industry,” said Gavin Farnam, managing director and retail practice leader of CBRE Asset Services. “In many cases, parts of the solution might call for cultivating a diverse and changing mix of specialty tenants as well as identifying and implementing new programs that enhance consumer experience while also contributing revenue for owners. With Dave, CBRE has one of the industry’s most experienced professionals in those areas.”
Brown earned his BS in finance from Indiana University and his MBA from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
