LOS ANGELES-Newmark Grubb Knight Frank has hired retail expert Jay Luchs as part of the firm's growing retail division. In his role as EVP, Luchs will serve as a bicoastal advisor under Neal Golden to cater to the firm's burgeoning roster of national and international retail clients.

Luchs has been involved with some of the most prominent leasing and sales deals in Los Angeles in the last decade and specializes in serving high-end fashion houses as well as the entertainment industry. Brands he has represented include LVMH brands Celine, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Lanvin, Missoni, Isabel Marant and Bottega Veneta. Prior to joining NGKF, he negotiated the $85-million sale of 319-323 North Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills to LVMH Moet Hennessy Luis Vuitton SA, representing both buyer and seller.

Luchs also handles retail roll-outs and expansions for companies including SoulCycle, which is currently adding locations throughout Los Angeles. He has also been involved in strategic relocations for expanding brands like the Kardashians' DASH label.

Before joining NGKF, he spent 12 years at CBRE, most recently as an EVP. CBRE declined to comment to GlobeSt.com on Luchs or the move.

“I am thrilled that Jay is joining us,” said Jeffrey D. Roseman, EVP and principal of NGKF Retail, in a prepared statement. “His reputation as a dealmaker is second to none, and he—along with several new additions to our Southern and Northern California retail teams—catapults us to a dominant retail position on the West Coast.”

As GlobeSt.com reported in February, NGKF has hired three senior level brokers for its Westchester and Connecticut offices.The firm added former longtime Cushman & Wakefield brokers Gregory Frisoli, Glenn Walsh and Lawrence (Larry) Ruggieri.