WASHINGTON, DC-Cushman & Wakefield has recruited a local executive to head its Americas division: James M. Underhill has been named CEO of the Americas, the company’s largest operating region, which spans 141 owned and alliance offices throughout North and South America. Underhill will remain in Washington, DC.

In his new role, Underhill will lead Cushman & Wakefield’s business in the US, as well as Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. He will report directly to Glenn Rufrano, the firm’s president and CEO. Underhill has been with Cushman & Wakefield for five years. He takes over the former roll of John Santora, who was appointed CEO of C&W’s Client Solutions group in June 2010. 

Prior to becoming CEO of the Americas, Underhill served as executive vice president and area leader for Cushman & Wakefield in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. In that role, he was responsible for offices in Washington, DC; McLean, VA; Bethesda, MD; Baltimore; Philadelphia; and Boston.

The service lines he oversaw included agency leasing, tenant representation, investment sales, project finance and property and construction management. Prior to joining C&W, Underhill founded the Staubach Co.'s Northeast division, overseeing offices in DC, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia and Boston.