Van Amburgh tells GlobeSt.com that the time gained also will be spent working some major projects from new developments to corporate acquisitions. Grove's slot as division president will not be filled, but the duties will be divvied between two executive vice presidents, Murray Newton in Dallas and Michael Parker in California.

Van Amburgh says the shuffle at no time drove a discussion to return headquarters to Newport Beach, a shift that was made when he assumed the presidency in 2000. "We felt like he (Grove) deserved it. He's very well regarded internally and externally," Van Amburgh says of the changing of the guard.

In the last decade, Grove has completed more than five million sf of corporate build-to-suits for a Who's Who list of clients. Grove, in taking the administrative rein, said in a release that he will be "leading and overseeing our seamless delivery of corporate build-to-suit projects across the country." Koll presently has major projects going on in Detroit, Phoenix, Colorado Springs, California and Dallas.

"Toby's real strength in project operations management will increase company-wide," Van Amburgh said, "and as a result it will allow me to spend less time on administrative matters and more time with our clients." Van Amburgh says he will be jet-setting as well among the cities where the projects are rolling out. "The shift in responsibilities will enhance our relationships with our clients," he said in his statement.