NEW YORK (November 13, 2023) – Savills has announced today that it has appointed David Lipson as CEO of Savills North America. Lipson, who has served as the global advisory firm’s North American President since 2021, will succeed Mitchell E. Rudin, the firm’s North American CEO since 2020.
Rudin will transition to the role of Chairman North America, where he will continue to serve on the firm’s North American Executive Board and provide strategic guidance to the management team. Rudin and Lipson will assume their respective roles on January 1, 2024.
Prior to his appointment as president in 2021, Lipson led the successful Washington DC practice of Savills for over 10 years, growing both its client base and staff numbers significantly. During his tenure as President, he successfully introduced and expanded several key service lines, including Project Management, Workplace Consultancy and Lease Administration, broadening and deepening the platforms client facing services, further enhancing Savills position as the premium occupier focused advisory business in North America.
As CEO, Lipson will lead the oversight of the firm's strategic direction, while collaborating with its North American and global leadership teams to fortify core business functions, spearhead expansion into new service lines and regions, and make strategic investments in key areas of long-term growth.
“Savills has been more than just a workplace for me – it's been my home for most of my adult life. Serving this company since joining as a summer intern in 1987 has truly been an honor and I'm well aware of the responsibilities that come with guiding it into the future,” said Lipson. My confidence in Savills standing within the industry is unwavering, largely because of the exceptional professionals here who are and will remain instrumental in shaping the future of real estate advisory.”
In taking on the role as Chairman, Rudin will continue to serve as a key member and advisor to Savills North American Executive Board, focusing on leadership development, further advancement of the firm’s DEI efforts and continued participation in business development opportunities.
“Serving as CEO of North America has been the highlight of my career, enhanced by the opportunity to develop the next generation of senior leaders,” said Rudin. “David and I have been partners since I joined the firm, and he is the ideal person to lead Savills North America with a clear vision for the platforms evolution. I very much look forward to supporting him in his new role”.
“I am delighted that David is taking on the role as CEO of North America, he has proven himself as a forward-thinking leader, committed to the long-term success of our North American business,” said Mark Ridley, Savills global CEO. “I would also like to express my gratitude to Mitch Rudin for his significant contribution and leadership during one of the pivotal periods in the company’s history.
With more than 40 offices and over 1,000 employees in North America, Savills provides local and international clients with a comprehensive and cohesive suite of services and solutions such as tenant representation, occupancy strategy and analytics, workplace strategy, capital markets, workforce and incentives strategy, labor analytics, and project management.