Property Managers Navigate ‘Uncharted Territory’

CBRE has promoted Lesley Hudson to associate director of the property management division in San Diego as the market condition now calls for qualified leadership. Along with Juan E. Rose, Hudson will lead the team of property management and engineering professionals in the San Diego Region.

“The current economy has forced property managers to operate in uncharted territory and adapt to environments that are evolving and fluid. COVID-19 has presented a number of challenges, including enhancing safety, operational considerations and financial implications for tenants and investors,” Hudson tells GlobeSt.com. “All of these factors are specific to certain asset classes and geographic locations, so each property must be evaluated individually to ensure business continuity.”

Hudson joined CBRE in 2009, and has climbed through the property management division, most recently serving as senior real estate manager. In her new role, she will oversee operations, financials and overall performance of a mixed portfolio of investor and occupier assets. “I am extremely competitive and goal-oriented, so I am thrilled to take on this new role as associate director,” she says about taking on this new position. “Being a big picture thinker who thrives on difficult assignments, I am eager to bring our CBRE property management team options for unconventional procedures and resolutions of problems based on my experience in handling complex real estate issues.”

Overall, Hudson will spearhead projects and guide the team toward accomplishing goals and targets on behalf of clients. “I’d like to focus on winning and embrace opportunities to shape change to benefit our team and to assist our clients,” she says. I’m excited to continue to build momentum, support our amazing property management professionals and win new business.”

However, the pandemic and the related economic impact will certainly be at the forefront of conversations. Each asset and client will need a tailored and targeted response. “While the COVID-19 outbreak has undoubtedly had a great impact on investor and occupier assets, their respective responses to this pandemic are different,” says Hudson. “Besides the financial implications for both groups, investors are grappling with finding ways to welcome their tenants back by developing tailored reentry plans for each of their assets. These plans address new expectations from tenants regarding operations, building safety and health, social distancing and communication. Occupiers are taking their employee and customer health and safety needs into consideration now more than ever.”

For now, Hudson is advising clients to collaborate with clients and strengthen the relationship. “The relationship between landlords and tenants has never been more important and both parties must work together to successfully manage the complexity of what lies ahead,” says Hudson.