Helmsley Spear, LLC, America’s oldest continuously operating real estate firm founded in 1866, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Emden as Vice Chairman of the firm. Kent M. Swig, President of Helmsley Spear, made the announcement.

“Our team is thrilled to have James Emden join Helmsley Spear. He has been a “leader among leaders” within the real estate industry for many decades and we are honored to have him working with us,” stated Kent M. Swig.

Mr. Emden’s primary focus is the representation of tenants, from a wide range of industries, in the acquisition of space through lease or purchase, as well as in the marketing and disposition of real estate. His representation also includes property owners, investors, and developers. While his work focuses predominantly in the New York City area, Mr. Emden’s clients are both local and national.

“We are excited for Jimmy to join the Helmsley Spear professional team. His extensive experience in leasing, along with his experience in marketing of investment sales properties will be of great value to Helmsley Spear’s clients,” stated Andrew G. Simon, Executive Vice President, Helmsley Spear.

Mr. Emden began his career in the real estate department of Loews Corporation, and later serving as a Vice Chairman at Edward S. Gordon Company, Insignia, and ultimately CBRE. He later joined Colliers International as Vice Chairman, and most recently, he served as Vice Chairman of Compass. Mr. Emden is an institution in the New York real estate community, boasting four decades of experiences. His accomplishments encompass closed transactions valued at more than $2 billion globally, including several of New York City’s most significant leases.

Mr. Emden earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio State University where in the years 2010-2013 he served on its Board of Directors of the Arts & Sciences School. In addition. Mr. Emden served as Chairman of the Real Estate Division of Israel Bonds and the Jeffrey Modell Foundation as trustee.

About Helmsley Spear

Since 1866, Helmsley Spear has been a leader in commercial real estate creating legendary deals that are the cornerstones of the real estate industry, and is the oldest, continually operating real estate firm in America. Evolving from a real estate appraisal company to a full-service firm providing highly-skilled, professional performance and bottom-line profitability for its clients, Helmsley Spear provides property owners and users of real estate with a full array of services including: office and retail leasing; property and asset management; capital advisory services; investment sales and financing; project development and construction management; preventative maintenance and engineering; insurance services and appraisal. Helmsley Spear is independently owned and operated with offices in New York and San Francisco.