The local affiliate of a global real estate firm has a new chief operating officer.

CBRE Grand Rapids, together with CBRE Martin in East Lansing, said last week Paul VanDevender has been hired for the role.

VanDevender will oversee CBRE’s West Michigan and mid-Michigan regions.

“Paul has proven to be an exceptional choice for this position,” said Van Martin, CEO and chairman, CBRE Grand Rapids and CBRE Martin. “With an in-depth knowledge in business development, leadership experience and expertise in the commercial real estate industry, we are confident in his skill set and the creative insight that he will bring to our company and client service platform.”

VanDevender was most recently COO at Coldwell Banker Commercial Alliance in New York and has transaction experience in 19 countries and 45 markets.

He was also VP of ONCOR International and national VP of business development for Coldwell Bank Commercial.

“CBRE is a company I know well,” VanDevender said. “It is the clear market leader and has a well-thought out strategy to build on its market position. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to help drive superior outcomes and growth.”

CBRE

CBRE Group is based in Los Angeles with more than 300 offices across the globe with 34,000 employees.