Boston–Michael Smith, Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the company’s Boston office, announced today the strategic hiring of retail real estate specialist Jeffrey Arsenault.
Effective immediately, Arsenault, a 30-year industry veteran, becomes a Principal of Avison Young. Based in Boston, he will continue to provide advisory services to landlords and assist retailers in implementing growth strategies throughout New England. Arsenault most recently served as a Vice-President at CBRE New England in Boston, where he assisted in establishing best practices and implementing strategy for the retail practice group.
“We are extremely pleased to have Jeff join our leadership team,” comments Smith. “His proven track record of success in identifying and executing the best opportunities for his clients makes him a valuable asset to our growing Boston office. We are thrilled that Jeff has come on board and will assist Avison Young in expanding its retail capabilities throughout New England.”
During his career, Arsenault has completed more than 650 lease and sale transactions spanning more than 9 million square feet (msf) on behalf of his clients. In 2015, he was nominated for the Retail Deal of the Year award by the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. He began his real estate career in 1986 at Fafard Companies, a privately held real estate development company, where he served as an asset manager for a portfolio of mixed-used properties. He then held a leadership position at Konover & Associates, where he managed a 1-msf retail portfolio in Connecticut, before moving on to become a founding partner at Summit Realty Partners.
“I am proud to be joining one of the world’s most prominent commercial real estate firms,” comments Arsenault. “I’m impressed with the company’s Principal-led, collaborative culture, and unwavering commitment to treating both clients and co-workers with warmth, appreciation, respect and empathy. I look forward to fulfilling this promise alongside Avison Young’s Boston team. I am also looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues in North America and Europe.”
Arsenault is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB), NAIOP, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation advisory board. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts.
