In his dual roles, Desiato will oversee all activities related to REM's publications and websites as well as the highly successful RealShare conferences and its growing list of database products. "Michael's efforts have been central to extending the success of the REM brand," said ALM president and CEO William Pollak on making the announcement. "He has played a key role in the creation of a nationwide bureau that delivers breaking, daily news to the commercial real estate industry, through GlobeSt.com, and has successfully led REM's editorial team in expanding industry coverage." ALM is Real Estate Media's parent organization.

"The new position will obviously impose many new challenges," Desiato said on accepting the position. "But we have a longstanding professional team in place to support our daily activities, and through their support, I'm confident of a smooth and successful transition. With their day-to-day supervision of the various products, this team will pave our way to success on a daily basis."

That team consists of: (Print) Cynthia J. Hoffman and Gregg Christensen (editor and executive publisher, respectively, Real Estate Forum); Eric Peterson and Leigh Ann Beal (editor and regional publisher, Real Estate New Jersey); Barbara Nelson and Nanci Sanders (editor and regional publisher, Real Estate New York); Daniel Williams and Daniel Ceniceros (editor and regional publisher, Real Estate Southern California); (Online) John Salustri and Geoff Hahn (national online editor and national sales manager, GlobeSt.com); Ian Ritter and Gail Warren (national online editor and national sales manager, GlobeSt.RETAIL); (Newsletters) John Jordan and Geoff Hahn (managing editor and national sales manager). Richard Kelley will continue to lead the RealShare Conference Group.

Desiato joined REM in 1979 as an assistant editor for Real Estate Forum and was named associate publisher three years later. In 1989, he became editor in chief of the magazine and later played a key role in the development and launch of REM's three regional magazines. In addition to his core responsibilities, Desiato is the former president and chairman of the National Association of Real Estate Editors. He is also a member of BOMA International's Education Advisory Council. Desiato will report directly to Pollak.