Area of expertise

With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Jim Becker is a senior corporate executive with broad-based experience in all facets of the real estate spectrum, including driving global portfolio strategy, transaction delivery, project management, integrated facility management and outsourcing initiatives.

These professional skills have been augmented by strong leadership acumen that has helped grow service delivery platforms by successfully driving business development, recruiting and strategy at local, regional and international levels.

Business background

Jim Becker joined Avison Young in October 2012 to build the Midwest markets. Since starting, Becker has opened Avison Young offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis and is now focused on building Detroit and winning new client business. Previously Becker was with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) as International Director (2007-2012) and President, Canada (2010-2012). Becker was responsible for all facets of the firm’s Canadian business, including the repositioning of its existing platform, recruiting, opening of new offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, and bolstering of existing teams in Toronto, Montreal and Mississauga with new leadership and talent. Prior to these roles, he served as Market Director, Michigan, Ohio and Minnesota, where he was responsible for JLL’s enterprise platform comprising six offices and 700-plus employees. Becker started with the company in 1996 as Senior Vice-President, Chicago, IL after working with various commercial real estate brokerage firms between 1984 and 1996.

Affiliations and accreditations

• Member, University of Michigan - Alfred A. Taubman School of Architecture Search Committee
• Board Member, Canada U.S. Business Association (CUSBA)
• Member Development Committee, Global Detroit
• Member, CoreNet Global

Education

• College of Literature, Science & the Arts at University of Michigan

Select Detroit transactions

• General Motors
• EDS Detroit
• EDS Troy
• EDS Auburn Hills
• EDS Des Moines
• AON Insurance
• Ernst & Young
• College of Creative Studies
• City of Detroit
• City of Detroit Police Department