Houston, January 13, 2026
Recent leadership appointments in Houston’s commercial real estate and talent management firms highlight a strategic focus on growth and opportunity. With Travis Overall taking the helm at Cushman & Wakefield, the emphasis on local expertise and talent recruitment aims to boost Houston’s thriving business ecosystem. Additional significant appointments at Avison Young and Ferguson Partners reflect a broader commitment to fostering economic momentum across vital sectors, underscoring the city’s evolving commercial landscape and investment potential.
Houston’s Business Pulse: New Leadership Signals Growth and Opportunity
Houston, a vibrant hub of economic activity and entrepreneurial spirit, is consistently charting a course of growth and innovation. Recent leadership appointments in major commercial real estate and talent management firms underscore a positive outlook for the region and a continued commitment to developing robust business ecosystems. These strategic moves highlight a focus on leveraging local expertise and attracting top talent, signaling confidence in Houston’s dynamic market and the broader commercial landscape.
The city’s strong job market and consistent population growth contribute significantly to a stable demand across various sectors. This resilience, coupled with a business-friendly environment, continues to attract investment and foster an environment where small businesses and larger enterprises can thrive. As these key organizations bring in new leadership, they aim to further capitalize on Houston’s momentum and contribute to its ongoing economic expansion.
Cushman & Wakefield Welcomes New Houston Managing Principal
Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has announced the appointment of Travis Overall as its new Houston Managing Principal, effective January 7, 2026. Overall brings nearly three decades of local experience, including previous roles at Hines and Brookfield Properties. In his expanded leadership position, Overall will oversee Cushman & Wakefield’s advisory business in Houston, which comprises over 250 employees, including 60 brokers, and manages a substantial property portfolio of 34 million square feet.
A key aspect of Overall’s new role will be the recruitment of emerging and industry-leading talent to the Cushman & Wakefield Houston team. This focus on talent acquisition aligns with the firm’s strategic growth objectives within the region and across Texas. Overall’s background, including his leadership at Brookfield Properties where he oversaw all aspects of the Houston office business, positions him to drive significant impact in the local commercial real estate sector. His extensive experience includes managing large office portfolios, such as downtown’s Houston Center and Allen Center. His community involvement, including serving on the boards of the Texas Medical Center and Central Houston, further strengthens his ties to the city’s development.
Avison Young Appoints New Phoenix Market Leader
While our primary focus remains on Houston, it is noteworthy to observe parallel strategic appointments in other robust markets, reflecting nationwide trends in commercial real estate. Avison Young, a global commercial real estate advisor, announced the appointment of James DeCremer as the Market Leader for its Phoenix office on January 6, 2026. DeCremer, an experienced commercial real estate expert, will maintain his active role as a brokerage producer, specializing in retail property leasing, tenant representation, investment, acquisitions, and dispositions across the Phoenix region.
His broader responsibilities will encompass driving strategic growth, operational leadership, and market positioning for the Phoenix office. This includes expanding revenue across all brokerage service lines—such as tenant representation, agency leasing, and investment sales—and developing non-brokerage services like Project Management and Real Estate Management Services (REMS). DeCremer’s appointment highlights Avison Young’s commitment to leveraging local market knowledge and attracting top talent to support client needs in growing urban centers.
Ferguson Hires Global Head of Hospitality and Leisure
In a move with Nationwide implications for the hospitality sector, Ferguson Partners, a strategic advisory and talent management firm for global real assets industries, announced on January 12, 2026, that Allison Reid has joined its Executive Search team as Managing Director and Global Head of Hospitality and Leisure. Based in the firm’s New York office, Reid will lead Ferguson Partners’ Board and C-Suite search practice and talent management advisory services across international hospitality, gaming, cruise lines, and related sectors.
Reid brings three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, having held global leadership roles at organizations such as Aimbridge Hospitality and Kimpton Hotels. Her expertise spans finance, development, operations, and brand management. This appointment reflects a strategic focus on the evolving hospitality and leisure market, which can have ripple effects on local economies like Houston’s, influencing investment in hotels, event venues, and related services that support community engagement and tourism. As hotel owners navigate market conditions, they often seek operational efficiencies and target value-add properties that can be repositioned.
Houston’s Economic Momentum and Real Estate Landscape
Houston’s commercial real estate market continues to demonstrate robust activity, driven by a diverse economy and ongoing population influx. As of October 2025, the Houston metro area boasts a population of 7.5 million, with nearly 200,000 new residents added between 2023 and 2024. The cost of living in Houston remains below the U.S. urban average, reinforcing long-term regional demand. The regional economy continues to expand, with its GDP reaching $550.7 billion and an unemployment rate of 5.0 percent as of August 2025. Houston also leads the nation in exports, exceeding $180 billion annually, and ranks second Nationwide for STEM job growth.
The industrial real estate sector in Houston is experiencing rapid expansion, with 14.4 million square feet under construction and 3.99 million square feet of year-to-date absorption as of Q2 2025. Industrial asking rents reached $11 per square foot per year in October 2025. While the office market is stabilizing, with a vacancy rate of 29.9 percent, newer Class A properties are outperforming. Retail and multifamily sectors also remain active, with retail vacancy at 5.6 percent and multifamily vacancy at 9.7 percent, supported by new units under construction and net absorption. These trends signal a dynamic market where strategic leadership and private investment play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
Fostering Economic Growth Through Strategic Appointments
The recent leadership changes within Cushman & Wakefield, Avison Young, and Ferguson Partners highlight a broader trend of companies investing in robust leadership to navigate complex market dynamics and capitalize on growth opportunities. For Houston, the appointment of a seasoned local leader at Cushman & Wakefield signifies a reinforced commitment to the city’s commercial real estate prowess, which directly impacts job creation and local business success. Such appointments can influence where companies deploy new services, supporting local real estate firms, financial partners, and service providers.
These strategic moves, while reflecting the individual companies’ business objectives, collectively contribute to a healthy and competitive market environment. They underscore the importance of private sector innovation and expertise in driving economic growth, attracting capital, and enhancing community vibrancy. By focusing on strong leadership and strategic talent management, these firms are poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing success of Houston’s economy and beyond.
Conclusion: Charting Houston’s Future Through Leadership and Investment
Houston’s economic landscape is characterized by constant evolution and a spirit of resilience, driven by dedicated entrepreneurs and strategic private investments. The recent leadership appointments at Cushman & Wakefield in Houston, Avison Young in Phoenix, and Ferguson Partners Nationwide underscore a confidence in specific markets and broader industry sectors, particularly commercial real estate and hospitality. These changes reflect an ongoing commitment to fostering growth, attracting talent, and adapting to new economic realities.
For Houston, the infusion of experienced leadership in its commercial real estate sector is a testament to the city’s enduring appeal as a hub for business and innovation. These appointments, along with ongoing investments and strategic planning, are crucial for maintaining the city’s economic momentum. We encourage our readers to stay informed about these developments and support the local businesses and initiatives that contribute to Houston’s thriving future. Your engagement helps ensure our city remains a beacon of opportunity and growth for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What new leadership appointment has been made at Cushman & Wakefield in Houston?
- Travis Overall has been appointed as the new Houston Managing Principal for Cushman & Wakefield, effective January 7, 2026.
- What are Travis Overall’s responsibilities in his new role at Cushman & Wakefield?
- In his new role, Travis Overall will lead Cushman & Wakefield’s advisory business in Houston, which includes overseeing over 250 employees and a property management portfolio of 34 million square feet. He will also be responsible for recruiting new talent to the Houston team.
- Who was appointed as the Market Leader for Avison Young’s Phoenix office?
- James DeCremer was appointed as the Market Leader for Avison Young’s Phoenix office on January 6, 2026.
- What is James DeCremer’s focus in his role at Avison Young’s Phoenix office?
- James DeCremer will focus on driving strategic growth, operational leadership, and market positioning for the Phoenix office, while also remaining an active brokerage producer specializing in retail property leasing, tenant representation, investment, acquisitions, and dispositions.
- Who did Ferguson Partners hire as its Global Head of Hospitality and Leisure?
- Allison Reid has joined Ferguson Partners’ Executive Search team as Managing Director and Global Head of Hospitality and Leisure, effective January 12, 2026.
- What will Allison Reid’s responsibilities include at Ferguson Partners?
- Allison Reid will lead Ferguson Partners’ Board and C-Suite search practice and talent management advisory services across international hospitality, gaming, cruise lines, and related sectors.
- What is the current population of the Houston metro area?
- As of October 2025, the Houston metro area has a population of 7.5 million.
- How has the industrial real estate sector performed in Houston?
- The industrial real estate sector in Houston is expanding rapidly, with 14.4 million square feet under construction and 3.99 million square feet of year-to-date absorption as of Q2 2025.
Key Appointments and Their Focus
| Organization | Appointee | New Role | Appointment Date | Primary Focus/Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cushman & Wakefield | Travis Overall | Houston Managing Principal | January 7, 2026 | Leading Houston’s advisory business, talent recruitment (Local) |
| Avison Young | James DeCremer | Phoenix Market Leader | January 6, 2026 | Driving strategic growth and operational leadership in Phoenix (Local) |
| Ferguson Partners | Allison Reid | Managing Director, Global Head of Hospitality and Leisure | January 12, 2026 | Leading C-Suite search and talent advisory for international hospitality (Nationwide) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
