A. Mitti Liebersohn, Avison Young President and Managing Director of the firm’s New York City office, today announced the hiring of Howard S. Aaron.

Effective immediately, Aaron will join Avison Young as Senior Director in the New York City office, working in the firm’s retail services group. The industry veteran will bolster the growing practice.

“Hiring top talent to help expand our growing services and platform is a major priority for us, as we are constantly striving to increase the quality of our globally-recognized real estate services platform,” said Liebersohn. “With Howard’s experience and client-focused positive attitude, he will be a wonderful addition to our team.”

“Howard’s varied experience as both a retail broker and business owner, makes him the perfect addition to our team,” said Jedd Nero, Principal and Executive Managing Director, and leader of the New York City Retail Services Group. “His hands-on, service-focused approach and extensive relationships are invaluable, and we look forward to working with Howard to provide value to our retail clients and grow Avison Young’s retail practice. Having worked with Howard at two previous companies, I am extremely excited to welcome him to our team.”

A nearly 30-year veteran of the retail industry, Aaron has worked with various owners and tenants including Clinton Housing Development Corporation, Stonehenge Partners, Stellar Management, Jamestown Properties, as well as Starbucks, Chase, Cold Stone Creamery, Commes Des Garcon, Aseop, Ipuddo, Totto Ramen, Sushi of Gari, La Bergomote, Gothic Cabinet Craft, Allstate, The Marshal, Rustic Table, and Sterling Optical.

“I have been following Avison Young since its doors opened in New York City and watched as it has quickly become one of the region’s most active full-service real estate services firms,” said Aaron. “I am excited to join the expanding firm, and the growing retail team, and I am eager to work with Jedd, Mitti and Avison Young’s expanding team in New York and across the globe.”

Prior to joining Avison Young, Aaron was a partner at Square Foot Realty, LLC. Prior to that, he worked at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank and Northwest Atlantic Realty Services.

Aaron is a member of the International Council for Shopping Centers and is also on the board of directors at LOMTO – a credit union. He received a B.A. in industrial design from Pratt Institute.

Avison Young is the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,200 real estate professionals in 77 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties.