Cushman & Wakefield Hires Two Commercial Real Estate Leads
Doug Middleton and Jack Stillwagon have joined the firm to lead its New York City institutional capital markets division.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial
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Commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield has recruited industry veterans Doug Middleton and Jack Stillwagon to its New York City office. The duo transition to the company from CBRE to manage institutional capital markets operations.
Why it matters
These appointments signify a major effort by Cushman & Wakefield to rebuild its investment sales leadership following the 2023 departures of top producers Doug Harmon and Adam Spies. The move places experienced brokers at the helm of the firm's New York City capital markets strategy.
The new team will be based at 1290 Avenue of the Americas. Previously, the firm managed high-profile transactions including the $455 million sale of 450 Park Avenue and the $410 million sale of 1334 York Avenue.
The players
Doug Middleton
He is the new head of institutional capital markets at Cushman & Wakefield with previous experience at CBRE and Eastdil Secured.
Jack Stillwagon
He is an executive managing director at Cushman & Wakefield who previously worked at CBRE starting in 2021.
Cushman & Wakefield
It is a global commercial real estate services firm that provides property management, investment sales, and leasing services.
CBRE
It is an international commercial real estate services and investment firm that previously employed both Middleton and Stillwagon.
The details
Doug Middleton, who previously spent eight years at CBRE and held a role at Eastdil Secured, joins as head of institutional capital markets. Jack Stillwagon, who joined CBRE in 2021, takes on the role of executive managing director and will collaborate with national brokerage teams.
Timeline
February 2023: Adam Spies and Doug Harmon depart from Cushman & Wakefield.
April 2022: 450 Park Avenue sells for $455 million.
2025: 1334 York Avenue sells for $410 million.
October 15, 2026: Middleton and Stillwagon begin their new roles.
Market Landscape
This recruitment drive represents a strategic effort by Cushman & Wakefield to regain market share after the 2023 departures of Adam Spies and Doug Harmon. The hires position the firm to better compete with rivals like CBRE in the high-stakes New York City investment sales market.
For commercial property owners and investors in the area, this shift may change how local brokerage services are managed and presented. Clients may see new outreach strategies as the firm seeks to leverage the experience of its new leadership team in institutional capital markets.
The takeaway
These hires highlight the ongoing competition for top-tier talent in the commercial real estate sector. Investors should monitor how this new leadership team influences future deal flow in the New York City market.
Further reading
For more updates on the regional real estate market, visit the New York City Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Commercial Observer.
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