By Joshua Burd
JLL has continued the expansion of its retail brokerage team in New Jersey with the hiring of Eduardo Pena, an industry expert with more than 20 years of experience.
Pena, who has been both a corporate real estate executive and a broker, joins JLL as a vice president based in its East Rutherford office. Prior to joining JLL, he served as senior manager with Banfield Pet Hospital, where he oversaw the company’s Northeast expansion program.
He comes to the firm as part of JLL’s strategic growth plan for its New Jersey retail brokerage business.
“JLL continues to expand its services to better serve clients involved in all aspects of retail throughout New Jersey,” Robert Kossar, executive managing director and market director for JLL’s New Jersey operations, said in a prepared statement. “Eduardo Pena has overseen the real estate strategies and expansion plans for a number of major retailers.
“His knowledge of the inner workings of retailers’ real estate operations and the strong relationships he has cultivated will prove invaluable to the continued expansion of JLL’s retail services in New Jersey.”
In a news release, JLL said Pena is highly experienced in lease negotiations, developing strategic plans, implementing real estate best practices, building and guiding franchisee organizations and optimizing internal operations. The firm also touted his ability to build relationships within the development, brokerage and retail communities.
Prior to his time with Banfield Pet Hospital, Pena was a senior development manager for Burger King Corp. in charge of developing and implementing marketing plans for new stores and franchise development. Before that, he served as real estate director in charge of new store development for Toys R Us and as a real estate manager for Verizon Wireless’ Northeast region.
“We are pleased that Eduardo brings extensive experience to the table to strengthen JLL New Jersey’s retail tenant representation service line,” said Marta Person Villa, senior vice president with JLL New Jersey’s retail brokerage services.
Pena’s experience also includes retail leasing and sales services to clients throughout the New York metropolitan area with CBRE Group Inc. and RKF.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, the news release said. He is a licensed real estate broker in New Jersey and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
