Steve Birkhold Joins Commercial Real Estate Firm Cushman & Wakefield

Steve Birkhold, the former CEO of Lacoste and Diesel USA, has joined commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield as an executive director of its brokerage division. He’ll be focused on fashion and luxury goods clients for office, showroom and e-commerce business.

“Steve Birkhold is one of the most respected names in the world of fashion and his arrival strongly reinforces Cushman & Wakefield’s competitive advantage in this key market segment,” said Cushman & Wakefield’s North America CEO John Santora. “But moreover, with his deep experience working in the industry, he will bridge and apply his expertise to the full spectrum of real estate services. Having served as CEO of some the world’s most dominant brands, few people are more qualified than Steve to help our fashion clients overcome the unique challenges facing this critical market sector.”

“By understanding a fashion brand’s business challenges, you will understand how to solve their real estate challenges,” added Birkhold. “At this stage in my career, I have come to realize the importance of developing and strengthening strategic partnerships. That is why I am delighted to join Cushman & Wakefield, a company that boasts unparalleled status as a brokerage firm nationally and worldwide.”

Birkhold left his position as CEO of the women’s wear brand Bebe last June after about 18 months on the job. Before that he was CEO of Lacoste from 2010 to 2013. From October 2007 until November 2009, he was CEO of Diesel USA.