Boston, MA According to The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR Global), the world’s premier commercial real estate organization for industrial and office brokers, chief executive officer Robert Thornburgh, SIOR, will conclude his service to the organization at the end of 2024. Having fulfilled an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the next chapter of SIOR Global, and when combined with his long-standing passion for the industry, Thornburgh is positioned to take on the next leadership role in his CRE career.
During Thornburgh’s tenure, along with the board of directors and other dedicated leaders, they successfully stewarded SIOR Global to new levels of relevance, visibility, and progress. The groups’ transformative vision led to the implementation of SIOR’s new strategic plan, which has produced a record-breaking 97% membership retention, increased member satisfaction, and earned top CRE brand recognition by Lipsey, two years in a row. Success has also been realized across critical KPIs including 18% membership growth over the past three years, a 27% increase in female members, a 19% increase in international membership, and the attraction of younger professionals to the organization, as 29% of SIOR’s new members are now under the age of 35.
Thornburgh said of his departure, “Serving SIOR has been the privilege of a lifetime. I am incredibly grateful for the trust and support of the board of directors and SIOR Global team, as well as our dedicated members around the world. I am so proud of what we have accomplished. Together, we have elevated the SIOR brand, enhanced our member services, and cultivated a dynamic, collaborative community that continues to raise the standard of excellence. I am confident that the board and future leadership will continue to build upon the many remarkable achievements. SIOR is riding an incredible new wave of momentum that I expect to only continue for many years to come.”
Thornburgh will continue to serve as CEO of the organization through the end of 2024 and assist during a transition period. SIOR Global’s governance committee will be forming a search committee to assist in identifying a new CEO to take over leadership of the global organization that’s grown to more than 4,000 members in 50 countries.
The SIOR designation stands unchallenged for excellence in the performance of real estate services and is universally recognized as the prerequisite in the selection of a commercial real estate broker, agent, or consultant. SIOR has certified thousands of members with the prestigious designation, a professional symbol of the highest level of knowledge, production, and ethics in the real estate industry. Real estate professionals who have earned the SIOR designation are recognized by corporate real estate executives, investors, developers, commercial real estate brokers, lenders, and other real estate professionals as the most capable and experienced brokerage practitioners in any market.
SIOR president David Lockwood, SIOR, said, “Robert’s perseverance and dedication to a forward-thinking vision has created new levels of excitement, energy, and opportunity that SIOR is realizing today. His collaborative approach, committed leadership, and inspirational enthusiasm served as critical elements toward establishing a new, dynamic organization that has been built on top of a storied foundation. That innovation and strategic vision underpin SIOR now standing on the strongest financial footing it has been in our 83-year history.”
