Michael McKiernan

As Managing Director, Mike is responsible for the overall operation and direction of the Chicago office, coordinating the efforts of the office, industrial, retail and investment teams to optimize Avison Young's delivery of service to its clients.

Professional Experience  Mike McKiernan comes from Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) where he was most recently Executive Managing Director for the Chicago offices and Director of Industrial Brokerage-Americas. Between 2002-2006 and 2008-2009, McKiernan was Executive Managing Director and Branch Manager for the Chicago offices at C&W. He also served as Director of Industrial Brokerage-Americas from 2007-2009. As market manager, McKiernan oversaw the day-to-day management and operations of the Chicago offices and was a partner in leading the regional Midwest initiatives for C&W. As leader of the Industrial Services practice, he had the responsibility to grow C&W’s $125-million Industrial group, ensure its quality of performance and work with C&W’s Industrial Brokerage clients throughout North and South America.

Prior to joining C&W, Michael served on the corporate staff of Grubb & Ellis as President of its Eastern Region with responsibility for $300 million in revenue and 28 profit centers. Prior to his Eastern Regional responsibilities, he was Executive VP and Area Manager of the Great Lakes Region, where total annual revenues exceeded $56 million.

Having begun his real estate career in 1989 as an industrial broker with Grubb & Ellis, Michael subsequently became Sales Manager of the Chicago/O’Hare offices. As an industrial real estate specialist, he represented major corporations and facilities, with transaction activity ranging from 20,000 to 1.8 million square feet. Under his direction, the Chicago/O’Hare operation became Grubb & Ellis’ most successful U.S. office.

Prior to entering the commercial real estate field, his career was in the publishing industry. His positions included Regional Account Manager for Time magazine, Midwest Advertising Director for Advertising Age magazine and Account Executive with the Chicago Tribune Company.