New York, September 18, 2012 — As the first major personnel move in the New York metro region under Joe Harbert’s leadership, Colliers International announced today that industry powerhouse Howard Grufferman has joined the organization as a Vice Chairman. As one of New York City’s elite commercial real estate executives, the 25-year industry veteran focuses on tenant representation, with a specialization in the financial services, technology, and legal sectors, and throughout his career has closed transactions valued in excess of $1 billion combined.

Formerly a Vice Chairman with Grubb & Ellis, Grufferman’s arrival signals the first of what is expected to be several new strategic hires that will elevate Colliers International in the Tri-State market. Also from Grubb & Ellis, Hadley Springer has joined the New York office of Colliers International as an Associate Director.

“Very few real estate executives have the experience, gravitas, and history of success in the New York City market to match that of Howard Grufferman,” said Joseph Harbert, President of Colliers International’s Eastern Region, who noted that the Grufferman hire will set the tone for ongoing recruitment. “Our mission is to become one of New York’s premiere real estate companies. The hiring of Howard is an excellent step in that direction, and signals to the rest of the industry that our commitment is both substantial and sincere. My very real expectation is that other top producers — as well as potential clients — will look at Colliers and see an organization on the rise.”

“The New York operations of Colliers International has always had a great core, and when Joe Harbert came on board it became to clear to me just how much potential there is to do great work together,” Grufferman said. “Colliers has the global platform, a best-in-class consulting group and a commitment to research and analysis that matches my own. The long-term prospects for the New York Tri-State market are extremely positive. Colliers is well capitalized and has the vision to meet those demands.”

Prior to his highly successful tenure with Grubb & Ellis, Grufferman served as the Senior Managing Director and Co-Branch Manager of Studley’s midtown and downtown offices.

Throughout his career Grufferman has successfully completed complex lease transactions for several large businesses and institutions, including: the City of New York; Weil, Gotshal & Manges; Fortress Investment Group; Federal Reserve Bank; Credit Suisse; and Alcoa, among many others.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world, with over 12,300 professionals operating out of more than 520 offices in 62 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News magazines ranked Colliers International the top U.S. real estate company. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second-most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.