NEW YORK CITY—Cushman & Wakefield has taken the unusual step of creating a risk management services division and hiring Raymond Kelly, former commissioner of the New York City Police Department to helm the division. Set to join the firm later this month, Commissioner Kelly will hold the title of president of RMS.

Cushman & Wakefield's newly formed RMS group will offer clients tailored solutions to manage and mitigate risks around the world. Kelly will focus on helping clients identify potential vulnerabilities and prepare for and manage risk across a number of critical areas. These include physical and cyber security intelligence, crisis management, due diligence/site selection and emergency preparedness.

Commissioner Kelly, the longest serving commissioner in NYPD history, oversaw a steep reduction in crime during his tenure, including a 40% decrease in violent crimes over the past twelve years. These record low crime numbers were accomplished in tandem with the NYPD establishing and building counterterrorism and intelligence bureaus that reportedly were instrumental in keeping the city safe from the ongoing threat of terrorism following the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Says Cushman & Wakefield president & CEO Ed Forst, "Today is an historic day for Cushman & Wakefield. Commissioner Kelly could have chosen from a multitude of companies to work for and we are honored that he elected to join Cushman & Wakefield. His proven track record of successfully managing risk in business, law enforcement, public safety, and the military are obvious. The risks our global clients face are diverse, disruptive, geographic in scope, and constantly evolving. Adding one of the world's foremost risk management and security experts to our leadership team will provide our clients the highest level risk management service in the industry and adds incredible power to our brand.”

GlobeSt.com is slated to speak with Forst later today; watch this space for an UPDATE.

Adds Commissioner Kelly, “I am honored to join such a world-class organization and have the opportunity to lead this groundbreaking new division for Cushman & Wakefield as we work to protect the safety and stability of the firm's global clients and their assets. I look forward to working with Ed and the incredibly talented team at the firm to further distinguish C&W as a global leader in real estate.”

Commissioner Kelly takes on his new role after 50 years of public service. Commissioner Kelly established the first counterterrorism bureau of any municipal police department in the country and built the department's intelligence bureau, creating a global intelligence program with detectives stationed in cities abroad.

In addition to twice serving as the New York City Police Commissioner, Kelly's career in public service includes stints directing the International Police Force in Haiti, serving as a VP of Interpol from 1996 to 2000, commissioner of the US Customs Service and undersecretary of enforcement at the US Treasury Department. Commissioner Kelly retired as a colonel in 1993 after 30 years of service from the United States Marine Corps Reserves, including serving a combat tour in Vietnam.

Instant Insights /

Cushman & Wakefield Hires Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly

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