Gabriel Castiglio has been hired as chief legal officer and corporate secretary at Fiera Capital. (Courtesy Fiera)

Global commercial real estate services and investment management firm Colliers International Group (CIGI-T) has appointed John Friedrichsen to the newly created global leadership position of chief operating officer. 

In this role, Friedrichsen will provide executive oversight and leadership at the global level for a number of growth initiatives including strengthening the occupier services, corporate solutions and capital markets businesses. He will have a particular focus on driving further internal growth and greater collaboration among Colliers’ established teams.

Friedrichsen moves into the role from his former post as chief financial officer, a position which will now be filled by Christian Mayer.

“John’s experience and expertise make him a tremendous asset and the strongest candidate for this new role, which will allow him to concentrate on important projects that build on the potential of Colliers’ global capabilities,” said Jay Hennick, Colliers’ global chairman and CEO, in a release.

“Under John’s leadership, I am confident he will help us ring in another period of growth and deliver exceptional service to our clients around the world as we establish and execute our 2025 growth plan.”

Mayer’s most recent role has been as senior vice-president, finance and treasurer.

He has more than 20 years of experience in progressively higher leadership roles with Colliers. Mayer has extensive experience in all aspects of the corporate finance function including accounting, reporting and analysis, investor relations, treasury, risk management, internal audit and development transactions advisory.

A CPA, Mayer began his career with PwC.

“Christian’s appointment reflects the significant leadership role he has played in executing on our financial strategy and embracing strategic opportunities to drive our business forward. I could not be more pleased to transition this role into the hands of a proven performer who has years of knowledge and a history of success,” Hennick said in the release.

Friedrichsen and Mayer will report directly to Hennick. All regional executive leaders will continue to report direct to Hennick.

New roles for PIRET senior management

Three senior managers at Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust (PIRET) have received promotions in the wake of its purchase by Blackstone (BX-N) and Ivanhoé Cambridge.

Charlie Deeks has been named chief investment officer, David Owen has been appointed chief operating officer and Kantaro Goto is now senior vice-president of finance. 

Deeks joined PIRET in 2016 as vice-president of investments. In his new role, he is responsible for sourcing, structuring and executing investment opportunities. 

Deeks has over 14 years of real estate experience. Prior to joining PIRET, he was portfolio manager for Manulife’s Real Estate Private Funds and worked at Oxford Properties and Altus Group. He holds a B.A. (Hons.) in economics from Queens University.

Owen also joined PIRET in 2016, as an asset manager, and was promoted to vice-president, asset management in 2018. He is responsible for developing and executing on asset-level and investment strategies, overseeing the performance of individual assets and driving the valuation of PIRET’s North American portfolio. Owen has an Honours B.A. in economics from The University of Toronto and is a CFA charterholder.

Goto joined PIRET in 2016 as vice-president, finance. The 17-year real estate veteran is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of PIRET’s properties and portfolio. He has a bachelors of commerce degree from the University of Toronto and is a CPA, CMA.

Fiera Capital hires Castiglio

Fiera Capital Corporation (FSZ-T) announced Gabriel Castiglio has joined the firm as chief legal officer and corporate secretary. He’ll be responsible for legal affairs and the corporate secretariat.

“Gabriel is a seasoned lawyer, most notably known for advising public corporations on their regulatory obligations and for his work on mergers and acquisitions, which will be a significant asset to Fiera Capital,” said Vincent Duhamel, Fiera’s president and chief operating officer, in a release.

Castiglia most recently served as partner at Fasken, where Fiera Capital was a key client. He is recognized in corporate finance and securities law and mergers and acquisitions by the Canadian Lexpert Directory, the International Financial Law Review and The Best Lawyers in Canada.

Fiera RE promotes McFarlane

Peter McFarlane has been appointed senior vice-president, head of investment operations at Fiera Real Estate. McFarlane started with Fiera in 2016 as vice-president of pooled funds before moving up to senior vice-president of asset management a year ago.

Prior to his time at Fiera, McFarlane was a vic- president with Lasalle Investment Management and spent time at Scotiabank and IGRI Advisors Inc.

Deans new CEO at Habitat

Habitat for Humanity has selected Julia Deans to take over as president and CEO effective Feb. 24.

After practising law with Torys LLP in Toronto and Hong Kong and creating a successful business in Singapore, Deans led CivicAction, Futurpreneur Canada and the task force that developed Ontario’s first-ever immigration strategy. Most recently, Deans was founding CEO of the Canada Children’s Literacy Foundation. 

Habitat Canada’s previous president and CEO, Mark Rodgers, announced his resignation in the fall of 2019.

Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national charitable organization that provides affordable homeownership opportunities for working people on low incomes. It performs this task through the efforts of 54 local Habitat for Humanity organizations to build homes with the support of donors and thousands of volunteers.