The newly formed position makes Shibuya responsible for all aspects of Trammell Crow's brokerage business, including investment, project leasing and corporate advisory services. In addition to those duties, he will be working to develop the company's brokerage platform and clients, set national policy and push strategic initiatives within the firm's brokerage business. "Historically, my focus has been on the Western U.S. This is an opportunity for me to take on a broader role," Shibuya tells GlobeSt.com. Shibuya, who left his CB Richard Ellis' position Friday to take on the new role for Trammell Crow, said he took the job because it offered him the opportunity to help Trammel Crow build its presence in several large cities.

"One of my immediate objectives is to work closely with senior management and devise a strategy to bolster our presence in key markets," he said. "We are already a top three player in Dallas, Boston and Phoenix, and we have a major presence in Atlanta; ultimately we want to have a strong presence in all the major cities around the country, including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago."

A 20-year veteran of the commercial real estate business, Shibuya previously served as an executive at Insignia/ESG where he oversaw all business lines for the Western Region and helped establish Insignia/ESG as a top-three market share service provider in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Phoenix. Named in 2000 as "One of the Most Influential Professionals to Watch" by the Los Angeles Times, Shibuya currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Building Owners and Managers Association and is a member of the Urban Land Institute.

In his new position, Shibuya will be based out of Los Angeles but will spend time in all the major markets where Trammell Crow is planning to grow.