NEW YORK CITY—Locally-based executive conference center developer and operator Convene has appointed Matthew Legge to the newly created position of vice president, real estate and acquisitions.

Legge will oversee all real estate activities including property development, joint ventures and acquisitions for Convene. He will also direct Convene's national and international expansion efforts together with Convene's principals and support the company's capital raising activities, company officials say.

“Matt's broad experience in the commercial real estate industry—especially property development—will be invaluable in the implementation of our growth plan,” says Ryan Simonetti, CEO and co-founder of Convene. “We look forward to leveraging Matt's diverse entrepreneurial skill set as we work towards doubling our footprint over the next 18 months.”

Prior to joining Convene, Legge served as general counsel and managed development and investment matters for a Canadian family office focused on real estate investment and development in Canada and Europe. He played an integral role in the firm's development of mixed-use real estate projects throughout Western Canada and managed legal and business matters for its portfolio of operating companies.

A resident of New York City, Legge is an active member of several real estate industry groups including the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Cornell Real Estate Council.