Podell Joanne In her 20-plus years of CRE experience, Podell has specialized in both tenant and landlord representation.

NEW YORK CITY—Cushman & Wakefield has named executive vice chairman Joanne Podell the company’s top producer nationwide for 2016.

The veteran broker spearheaded the largest retail transaction here last year when she represented Nike in a 70,000 square foot lease for its flagship store at 650 Fifth Ave. In total last year, Podell closed transactions totaling over 180,000 square feet. In addition to the Nike transaction, she arranged leases on behalf of tenants such as Ann Taylor and Dean & DeLuca. Empire State Realty Trust, The Reise Organization, Jack Resnick & Sons, TIAA-CREF, The Trump Organziation, and The Moinian Group were among her landlord clients

This is the first time Podell has secured the top producer designation. She joins Tara Stacom—an executive vice chairman who was named top producer for 2015—as the second woman in the firm’s history to achieve top broker status. Additionally, at the firm’s recent tri-state region recognition ceremony, Podell was named top producer by service line (retail) and market (Manhattan).

In her 20-plus years of commercial real estate experience, Podell has specialized in both tenant and landlord representation in lease negotiations throughout Manhattan. She has been with Cushman & Wakefield for over 13 years.

“Joanne demonstrates a tireless work ethic and dedication to providing her clients with solutions that transcend real estate,” says Brett White, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield. “In addition, Joanne is extremely committed to mentoring her team, sharing her expertise with the next generation of professionals. She is a true champion of our brand, and I am extremely proud of her.”

“Joanne is vital to our business in the Americas,” declares Tod Lickerman, chief executive, Americas for Cushman & Wakefield. “She embodies our culture by bringing our entire platform to her clients, solving some of their most complex challenges.”

Throughout her career, Podell often has been ranked as the top retail service line producer at Cushman & Wakefield and also has been considered one of the most successful retail brokers both here and nationwide, according to Cushman.

She has been involved in many Manhattan retail assignments and oversees site acquisition and strategic disposition for many national and international tenants.  Some of Podell’s notable career transactions include Nike’s SoHo flagship at 560 Broadway; securing Foot Locker, Sephora, Swatch, and Target for 112 W. 34th Street; and TD Bank’s Manhattan rollout.

“Joanne not only goes above and beyond for her clients, but puts a significant amount of effort towards the professional development of all of her team members,” notes John Santora, Vice Chairman, President of New York tri-state region for Cushman & Wakefield. “Joanne’s legacy was cemented long before this award. She exemplifies the spirit of Cushman & Wakefield.”

Podell serves on the REBNY commercial board of directors and the Board of New York Women Executives in Real Estate. Additionally, she is the former chair of the REBNY retail stores committee.

Joanne Podell is one of many Cushman & Wakefield Tri-State Region professionals who have performed at the highest levels in their respective sectors. Local executives James Nelson, vice chairman, and Richard Bernstein, executive vice chairman, ranked as “Top Capital Markets Producer” and “Top Office Producer,” respectively.

Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Charles Fern, executive managing director, ranked as “Top Industrial Producer” nationwide in 2016.