PHOENIX – Signaling a move to expand its Capital Markets platform, Cushman & Wakefield has added a capital markets and commercial real estate veteran to its leadership roster. Bob Kline of RW Kline Companies has joined the firm as Senior Managing Director of the Equity, Debt and Structured Finance Group (EDSF) after has been sold and split into three directions.
R.W. Kline Properties, LLC was sold in the spring to an offshore investment fund.
R.W. Kline Capital, Fund 1 is being taken over by a large offshore Investment firm. The Fund will be renamed RWK Capital Funds, LLC and will continue to focus on equity and co-invest on commercial real estate ventures across North America, Asia and Europe.
R.W. Kline Advisory Services, LLC and R.W. Kline Capital, LLC are being blended into Cushman Wakefield Inc.
The Equity, Debt and Structured Finance Group will be led by Bob Kline. Cushman & Wakefield’s enhanced CMBS advisory practice will focus on CMBS debt maturities, assumptions, restructurings and rescue capital in North America. Members of the existing Kline Capital Market teams will be blended into Cushman Wakefield offices.
With Cushman & Wakefield, Kline will spearhead a specialized national CMBS advisory practice focused on CMBS debt maturities, assumptions, restructurings and rescue capital. Blending his existing advisory team with C&W’s Capital Markets team, Kline will create the largest CMBS debt restructuring practice in North America. Additionally he will represent Equity, Debt, and Structured Finance clients with a primary focus on the West. He will work closely with the Phoenix, Los Angeles and Dallas offices, and will also assist in other regions where he has been active.
“Bob’s expertise in the analysis, planning and execution of equity, debt, restructuring and structured finance transactions is among the most impressive in our industry,” said Jim Underhill, CEO of the Americas for Cushman & Wakefield. “He brings strong client relationships and an outstanding track record of high-profile transactions in many of the top markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. We look forward to the important role he’ll play in our EDSF group, including developing Cushman & Wakefield’s national CMBS advisory practice and assisting our loan sales platform group led by John Howley.”
Jay Quinn also joins Cushman & Wakefield as Managing Director - Capital Markets Equity, Debt, and Structured Finance Group. Mr. Quinn has more than 30 years of experience focused on commercial real estate debt and equity, diversified investments, portfolio management and structured finance. He was previously with RW Kline Capital, LLC.
“As a recognized commercial real estate leader and a top producer, Bob provides a breadth of experience and global coverage that will add tremendous value as we continue to strengthen our Capital Markets equity, debt and structured finance platform,” said Steven Kohn, President of the EDSF group.
As CEO of R.W. Kline Companies, Mr. Kline operated five vertical operations with 60 associates and 11 offices. He has facilitated more than 600 note sales, acquisitions and more than $8.7 billion in restructurings. He and his Capital Markets team at RW Kline Capital placed more than $3.1 billion in capital in the commercial real estate markets in the past 18 months.
“Cushman & Wakefield has an excellent culture of collaboration and is recognized for both its strong brand and the talent of its Capital Markets professionals,” Mr. Kline said. “I’m very pleased to join Cushman & Wakefield and I look forward to expanding our practices. I see great opportunity in leading the firm’s specialized CMBS restructuring/turnaround practice while contributing to the growth of the overall Capital Markets business.”