Jeff Hipschman
By Joshua Burd
Longtime CBRE New Jersey market leader Jeff Hipschman has joined Binswanger as its CEO, becoming the first non-family member to lead the real estate services firm in its 93-year history.
Based in Philadelphia, Binswanger said Hipschman’s new post is effective immediately and is part of its continuing transition to an employee-owned company, which began in 2017 after more than eight decades of family ownership. The 30-year industry veteran succeeds David Binswanger, who will transition to the role of managing director and board member, joining longtime partner Jeff Binswanger in continuing to guide the firm.
“There comes a time in any family business when a set of independent eyes can bring new perspectives that not only honor the legacy and values that have been created, but also imagine other horizons that were not prioritized,” David Binswanger said.
Jeff Binswanger, meantime, added: “Mr. Hipschman brings great perspective from two of the biggest firms in the industry and his energy and personality are infectious. We can’t wait to see where he can take us.”
Hipschman had served as a CBRE senior managing director and market leader of its New Jersey offices since 2009, leading all service lines as well as guiding the firm’s industrial and logistics strategy in the highly competitive Northeast markets. Previously, he led operations and technology initiatives at Julien J. Studley Inc., the predecessor to Savills Inc., where he rose to the post of chief information officer.
Binswanger noted that Hipschman began his career on Wall Street as an equity trading systems specialist, first for Salomon Brothers, then Lehman Brothers.
“I’m thankful to join the Binswanger team to aggressively focus on delivering unique real estate solutions to clients across the country and around the globe,” Hipschman said. “With an energized employee ownership perspective and Binswanger’s distinct culture of creativity and collaboration, we look forward to growing our company and leveraging the deep expertise of our colleagues to the benefit of our clients and partners.”
In announcing the move, Binswanger said Hipschman plans to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration and growth by leveraging its deep expertise across multiple disciplines, including engineering, life sciences, aerospace, food and logistics. He will lead the company’s U.S. and global growth and expansion from its Philadelphia headquarters in addition to serving on the firm’s board of directors.
David Binswanger, who had served as CEO since 1997, will remain integral in executing its strategic plan as he focuses his full attention on business development, client servicing, potential new initiatives and mentorship activities. The firm added that both he and Jeff Binswanger led several major transformations for Binswanger in addition to effectively navigating the Great Recession and pandemic.
Both have careers spanning more than four decades and have led several high-profile transactions totaling billions of dollars in value, including the Philadelphia headquarters for Aramark and Blue Cross, among many others for clients such as Comcast and Amgen. Recent international experience includes serving as lead adviser to Motorola in establishing an extensive manufacturing presence in Jaguariúna, Brazil, as well as advising global such as Apple, Siemens, Kohler, Sony and Google.
“Following generations of Binswanger company leaders is an honor and special challenge,” Hipschman added. “The family’s impact on the company, our industry and the Philadelphia community is legendary and indelible.
“I’m thrilled to become David and Jeff’s colleague and protégé in building the next chapter of the Binswanger legacy of unrivaled industry specialization combined with the personal perspective and devotion that only an employee-owned company can provide.”
