LOS ANGELES-Ness Hamaoui has rejoined Studley as an executive managing director specializing in strategic planning and portfolio management on behalf of corporations in Southern California and throughout the US. He will be based in Studley’s Downtown Los Angeles office.

Hamaoui is a 20-year veteran of the industry and a former member of the Studley team from 1996-2001. He joins from Cushman & Wakefield, where he was most recently an executive director.

Mark T. Sullivan, Studley executive vice president and regional manager, notes that Hamaoui is a recognized expert in large, complex transactions, especially real estate consolidations following corporate merger and acquisition activity. He has built a portfolio of local and national clients, including Sony/BMG, URS Corp. and AECOM.

“Ness consistently exceeds the expectations of some of the most recognized companies in the US through his deep understanding of corporations’ strategic, financial and operational objectives,” said Sullivan. “We’re glad he has chosen to return to the Studley family.”

Hamaoui cited Studley’s position as a pure tenant representation firm as the key factor in his decision to return. His recent transactions include a 60,000-square-foot relocation in Los Angeles on behalf of Sony Music; a 60,000-square-foot lease in Englewood, CO, and a 45,000-square-foot lease in Herndon, VA, both on behalf of Sierra Nevada Corp.; and a 50,000-square-foot lease in Coral Gables, FL, on behalf of AECOM.

Cushman & Wakefield declined to comment on Hamaoui’s move.