Howard I. Gilbert, a 37-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry, has joined full-service commercial real estate firm ABS Partners Real Estate as Executive Managing Director. Effective immediately, Gilbert will join the ABS team to focus on retail leasing activity and contribute to the growing number of closed deals that ABS has already executed in 2017.

“As ABS continues to grow, we’re committed to sourcing top-tier talent to join our team. Howard’s years of expertise and knowledge will not only help to grow our direct business, but will also attract and mentor younger brokers that want to immerse themselves in this industry,” says Gregg Schenker, president and co-managing partner at ABS Partners. “Under the guidance of Howard and our other partners that specialize in retail, we believe that this sector of our business will thrive. Even as the retail market wavers, Howard’s deep understanding of the industry provides invaluable insight to help close deals and get his clients exactly what they need to succeed in today’s economy.”

Gilbert will focus on retail leasing at ABS Partners, in addition to landlord representation at various New York City office properties, including those within ABS’ extensive property portfolio.

“After working in the industry for nearly 40 years, I was drawn to ABS because of the firm’s unique, inviting and collaborative culture. The partners take a very hands-on approach to running the company, ” said Gilbert. “I’m looking forward to the opportunities to invest alongside the partners and to growing the ABS retail team. Despite the climate of the retail market, ABS has a strong retail business that we intend to further improve over the next several months.”

During the course of his career, Gilbert has represented tenants and landlords in some of New York City’s most notable deals. Gilbert and his team implemented Forever 21’s entry to the New York market, securing its Flagship store in Times Square and additional locations in Manhattan. Other prominent clients include Stawski Partners, MetLife, Vornado and Tishman Speyer Properties. Prior to joining ABS, Gilbert was a senior managing director at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank.

Gilbert is an active member of REBNY and the International Council of Shopping Centers. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

About ABS Partners Real Estate

ABS Partners Real Estate, LLC is a New York-based real estate services firm. Founded by industry leaders, the Principals of which have more than two centuries of collective experience, ABS has assembled a dynamic team of professionals with expertise in all facets of real estate services, including owner-advisory services, leasing, sales and property management. ABS also specializes in land use and ground lease consultation, the transfer of development rights, fractional ownership valuation, FAR valuation, and services specifically related to the issues faced by families holding real estate for multiple generations. In addition to its service-related activities, the Principals of ABS are actively engaged in partnerships to own real estate. Brokers at ABS have the opportunity to participate in those partnerships. The founders of the firm believe that by owning real estate the members of the firm are better able to serve its clients by gaining a deeper, first-hand understanding of the needs of property owners and tenants.