Cushman & Wakefield Taps JLL Exec To Chair Occupier Services Unit

Why It Matters

Bringing back a seasoned occupier‑expert signals Cushman’s intent to capture growing demand for strategic office‑space guidance as companies re‑evaluate real‑estate footprints post‑pandemic.

Key Takeaways

• Tom Maloney returns to Cushman as chair of occupier advisory
• Q1 office leasing hit 120 M sq ft, highest since 2018
• Average office deal size down 15% from pre‑pandemic levels
• Occupier advisory demand rises as companies balance private, collaborative spaces
• Cushman aims to leverage Maloney’s strategy for global client growth

Pulse Analysis

The re‑appointment of Tom Maloney highlights a rare talent migration in commercial real estate, where senior executives are courted for their deep tenant‑representation expertise. Maloney’s tenure at JLL, where he rose to executive vice‑chairman, gave him a front‑row seat to the evolving needs of corporate occupiers. By returning to Cushman & Wakefield, he brings a proven playbook for aligning real‑estate portfolios with business strategy, a capability that rivals such as CBRE and JLL are also emphasizing to win high‑value advisory mandates.

Office leasing activity in the first quarter of 2026 rebounded dramatically, with CoStar reporting roughly 120 million sq ft of new leases— the most robust quarter since 2018. Yet the average lease footprint shrank by about 15% compared with pre‑pandemic norms, reflecting a shift toward flexible, hybrid work models. Tenants are prioritizing a mix of private offices, collaborative zones, and amenity spaces, though the rapid post‑pandemic surge in premium amenities is now moderating. This nuanced demand creates a fertile environment for occupier‑focused advisory services that can help firms balance cost efficiency with employee experience.

For Cushman & Wakefield, Maloney’s appointment is a strategic lever to deepen its occupier advisory franchise at a time when corporate real‑estate decisions are increasingly data‑driven and outcome‑focused. His mandate to drive strategy, business development, and executive support positions the firm to capture a larger share of the advisory spend that is migrating from traditional brokerage to consultative services. As the market continues to adjust to hybrid work realities, firms that can provide clear, actionable guidance on space optimization will likely see accelerated revenue growth, making Maloney’s role pivotal for Cushman’s competitive positioning.