Sterling Bay announces new director of strategic growth and entrepreneurship

Hugh Williams

Sterling Bay has announced the hiring of Hugh Williams as director of strategic growth and entrepreneurship. In this new role, which he will execute while maintaining his current position as managing broker and principal of Chicago-based MK Asset Management, Williams will lead Sterling Bay’s strategic investment in, and partnership with, local minority- and women-owned businesses that work with Chicago’s commercial real estate industry.

“Hugh is a strong presence in Chicago commercial real estate and has dedicated his career to helping other industry professionals reach their highest potential,” said Andy Gloor, CEO of Sterling Bay. “His unwavering commitment to lifting up minority- and women-owned businesses across Chicago aligns with our goal to partner with these companies in a meaningful way, and we look forward to working with him to create mutually beneficial partnerships with many new firms in the future.

Together with Sterling Bay leadership, Williams will allocate firm resources, including capital, mentorship opportunities and professional relationships to assist minority and women-owned businesses in developing self-sustaining operations, as well as securing private sector work. Williams’ goal is to further establish Chicago as a hub for small business where minority entrepreneurs are empowered to be leaders in their respective industries and develop a significant presence in their field.

“The commercial real estate industry is long overdue for equitable advancement and Chicago’s strong pipeline of ongoing and upcoming development offers the City an opportunity to serve as a national beacon for meaningful change,” said Williams. “Sterling Bay is taking tangible steps towards shifting the industry’s approach to providing resources, investment and connections that foster the growth of minority and women-owned businesses, and I look forward to furthering their ongoing efforts in my new role with the firm.”

Williams currently serves as principal of MK Asset Management, a Chicago-based real estate investor, operator, and third-party service provider with a currently portfolio value exceeding $100 million in real estate assets. Prior to joining MK Asset Management, he established Avison Young’s Chicago office, the company’s inaugural U.S. location. A former Big 10 Conference football player, Williams played professional football in Europe after graduating from Northwestern University with a master’s degree and before beginning his real estate career at Cushman & Wakefield’s Chicago office.