Newmark has hired Greg Conen, as a vice chairman to lead and scale the firm’s high-profile new construction agency leasing assignments throughout Manhattan. Conen will work closely with Executive Vice Chairmen Howard Hersch and Steven Rotter and Vice Chairman Scott Klau.
“Newmark has built its team intentionally, hand-selecting the most talented individuals the industry has to offer,” said Barry Gosin, CEO of Newmark and chairman of Newmark & Company Real Estate Inc. “We are determined to be in every conversation as a go-to provider in New York City, a leading commercial real estate market and home to our headquarters. Adding Conen’s relevant experience and expertise helps us to offer what we believe will be an evolutionary capability within the industry.”
Conen led the successful development and leasing of the 66-story Spiral, a 2.8 million-square-foot office tower recently constructed at 66 Hudson Blvd., while acting as managing director of leasing for Tishman Speyer. He also oversaw Morgan North, the 630,000-square-foot office and mixed-use redevelopment of a former U.S. Post Office in West Chelsea.
“Greg brings expertise and hands-on experience advising corporations and institutional investors on new office construction projects that few in the New York City market can offer,” said Hersch. “His extensive knowledge, empowered by Newmark’s deep industry relationships, allows our company to differentiate its office leasing offering to what’s available in the marketplace today.”
Trophy office space in Manhattan is among the most in-demand property types, according to Newmark Research’s “Winning Office” report. Trophy rents can command a 25% to 40% premium over Class A within established and mature markets such as Manhattan, where just 6.7% of space in trophy office properties was available in the fourth quarter of 2024. Newmark is tracking more than 27 million square feet in tenant demand across Manhattan in March, up from just below 20 million square feet a year ago. Further, more than 70% of tracked large block availabilities (100,000 square feet or more) in Manhattan are in the middle or lower floors of buildings, limiting high-quality availability.
