Savills Studley Chicago Office Adds George Kohl

Savills Studley, the leading commercial real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation, has hired George Kohl as Executive Vice President of Operations for the Chicago Region. Kohl comes to Savills Studley with over three decades of experience in Chicago’s commercial real estate industry, having held senior executive roles at Trammell Crow Co., CBRE and Sterling Bay.

“Savills Studley is known for its distinct brand, excellence in tenant-focused real estate services and far-reaching global network of resources,” said Kohl. “I look forward to supporting the leadership team in efforts to expand the firm’s market presence across the Midwest, enhance service lines and guide talent development in a region where Savills Studley has produced some of the city and country’s most accomplished real estate professionals over the last 50 years.”

As Executive Vice President of Operations, Kohl will support the Chicago region market leaders in regional recruitment, operations management and the development of new and existing service lines to further strengthen Savills Studley’s position in the Midwest. Kohl will apply best practices from his leadership experience at some of the region’s highest performing development and real estate services firms to help streamline processes and cultivate the roster of Savills Studley brokerage, project management and workplace strategy experts in Chicago. Savills Studley has maintained a significant market share for tenant representation services in the Midwest region since the Chicago office opened in 1962.

“George’s impeccable reputation among industry peers across the country and especially here in Chicago is well-deserved,” said Savills Studley Vice Chairman and Chicago Region Co-Head Robert Sevim. “His integrity and track record of success at several of the most prominent real estate companies in our marketplace will add to Savills Studley’s upward momentum in the Chicago Region.”

“Savills Studley professionals are continuously reassessing and building upon the range of services they can offer clients,” said Savills Studley Senior Vice President and Chicago Region Co-Head Eric Feinberg, who recruited Kohl with Sevim. “George’s skillset and longstanding professional relationships will bring unparalleled insight to our talented and growing team.”

Kohl served as Chief Operating Officer for Chicago-based real estate development firm Sterling Bay. In this role he was responsible for all aspects of operations including property management, leasing, engineering, construction services, legal and accounting. During Kohl’s time as Chief Operating Officer, Sterling Bay received some of the region’s most prestigious professional distinctions, including the NAIOP Chicago Developer of the Year award, the TOBY Gold Circle Building of the Year (under 100k SF) award and the Greater Chicago Food Depository/Crain’s Chicago Developer of the Year award.

Kohl previously served as Trammell Crow Co.’s managing director for the Midwest and Senior Managing Director for CBRE. In the latter role Kohl directed the asset services line for CBRE’s Central Region, including Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

Kohl earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wheaton College and a Masters in Business Administration degree from Northwestern University with a concentration in Finance and Marketing.