Avison Young Fortifies Ottawa Office with Strategic Principal Hires: Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw Join to Propel Growth

Avison Young, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has announced a significant strategic enhancement to its Ottawa operations with the hiring of two highly respected industry professionals, Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw. Michael Church, Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the firm’s Ottawa office, heralded the additions, emphasizing their pivotal role in strengthening the company’s regional footprint and specialized service offerings.

Hockey and Kershaw are set to assume positions as Principals of the firm, a testament to their extensive experience and proven leadership within the commercial real estate sector. Their primary mandate will be to aggressively expand Avison Young’s brand presence across the vibrant National Capital Region, with a particular focus on the burgeoning Kanata technology sector. Operating from Avison Young’s strategically located Ottawa office, both new principals will concentrate their efforts on their core specialties: expert office tenant representation and dynamic agency leasing services, crucial for clients navigating today’s complex real estate landscape.

Veteran Expertise to Drive Avison Young’s National Capital Region Strategy

The recruitment of Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw underscores Avison Young’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent and delivering unparalleled value to its clients. Lindsay Hockey brings a wealth of knowledge to Avison Young, boasting an impressive 15-year career in commercial real estate. Oliver Kershaw also significantly bolsters the team with his decade of dedicated experience in the industry. Before joining Avison Young, both professionals held key roles as Associate Vice Presidents at CBRE, where they cultivated a strong track record of success and built extensive client relationships.

Michael Church expressed profound enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, “The addition of Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw to our Ottawa team marks a significant milestone in our strategy to deepen our market penetration and enhance our service capabilities across the National Capital Region. Their combined expertise, particularly within the dynamic Kanata tech sector, will be invaluable as we continue to provide innovative and client-centric real estate solutions. These hires reflect Avison Young’s commitment to growing with purpose and ensuring our clients benefit from the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the industry.”

Lindsay Hockey: A Strategic Leader in Tenant Representation and Market Insight

Lindsay Hockey’s illustrious career trajectory speaks volumes about his expertise and dedication. Prior to his tenure at CBRE, which began in 2011, Hockey served as an Associate Vice-President with Colliers International from 2002 to 2011. Throughout his comprehensive career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in two critical areas: office tenant representation and agency leasing. These specialties are fundamental in guiding businesses through complex real estate decisions, from securing optimal office spaces to maximizing asset value for landlords.

Hockey’s approach to office tenant representation goes beyond mere transaction facilitation. He is renowned for his strategic counsel, helping diverse clients — ranging from established private corporations to rapidly expanding start-ups — identify locations that align with their operational needs, growth projections, and cultural values. His deep understanding of market trends, lease negotiations, and space optimization ensures that tenants secure favorable terms and spaces that foster productivity and innovation. Moreover, Hockey’s expertise in agency leasing provides landlords with robust strategies for attracting and retaining high-quality tenants, minimizing vacancies, and enhancing property value through sophisticated marketing and lease management.

Beyond his work with private corporate clients, Hockey has also cultivated an expanding portfolio of volunteer and not-for-profit clients, showcasing his versatility and commitment to community engagement. This diverse client base has further sharpened his acumen, particularly his increasing focus on the thriving technology sector in Kanata. His nuanced understanding of the unique real estate demands of tech companies – from flexible workspaces to advanced infrastructure – positions him as a crucial advisor for businesses operating in this high-growth industry.

Oliver Kershaw: Guiding the Tech and Innovation Sectors Through Real Estate Excellence

Oliver Kershaw embarked on his commercial real estate journey with CBRE in 2006, swiftly establishing himself as a formidable presence in the market. Over his distinguished career, he has built an extensive and highly successful track record as a tenant representation specialist. Kershaw’s skill set is particularly valuable for companies navigating the intricacies of lease agreements, renewals, and relocations, ensuring their real estate decisions are strategically aligned with their business objectives. His ability to anticipate market shifts and negotiate optimal terms has made him a trusted advisor for a wide array of clients.

Kershaw’s expertise, however, extends beyond solely representing tenants. He has also played a significant role in assisting landlords, providing them with comprehensive market analyses, tenant attraction strategies, and effective property positioning advice. This dual perspective grants him a holistic understanding of the commercial real estate ecosystem, enabling him to craft solutions that benefit all parties involved while achieving strategic outcomes. His deep insight into both sides of a transaction offers a distinct advantage, fostering equitable and efficient deals.

A significant portion of Kershaw’s professional focus has been dedicated to the local technology and innovation industries. This specialization is particularly pertinent given the robust growth and evolving needs of these sectors within the National Capital Region. From R&D facilities to co-working spaces and head offices, technology companies require flexible, scalable, and amenity-rich environments. Kershaw’s profound understanding of these unique demands allows him to provide tailored real estate solutions that support innovation, attract talent, and drive business expansion for tech firms and startups alike. His ability to speak the language of innovation and translate it into real estate strategies is a key asset to Avison Young and its clients.

Synergistic Growth for Avison Young and the Kanata Tech Ecosystem

The arrival of Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw at Avison Young represents more than just an expansion of personnel; it signifies a strategic investment in the future growth of the firm within one of Canada’s most dynamic economic regions. The National Capital Region, anchored by Ottawa, is a hub of governmental activity, advanced technology, and vibrant commercial enterprise. The Kanata technology sector, often referred to as “Silicon Valley North,” is a critical engine of innovation, housing a diverse array of companies from telecommunications giants to cutting-edge software developers and cybersecurity firms.

The specialized real estate needs of these technology companies are complex and constantly evolving. They require not only competitive lease rates but also flexible office layouts, access to talent pools, robust connectivity, and environments that foster collaboration and creativity. By bringing in professionals with proven expertise in this niche, Avison Young is positioning itself as the premier real estate advisor for the region’s most innovative businesses. Hockey and Kershaw’s mandate to specifically grow the Avison Young brand in this sector will involve leveraging their deep relationships, market knowledge, and proactive approach to client service.

Avison Young’s commitment to the Ottawa market is further solidified by these hires. The firm recognizes the immense potential for growth, particularly as the National Capital Region continues to attract investment and foster technological advancements. The principals will work closely with Michael Church and the existing Ottawa team to identify new opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, and deliver integrated real estate solutions that span advisory, transaction, and management services. Their combined experience will undoubtedly enhance Avison Young’s capacity to navigate market fluctuations and capitalize on emerging trends, ensuring long-term success for both the firm and its clientele.

Expanding the Team: Welcoming Will Roantree as Associate

Further reinforcing Avison Young’s commitment to team building and nurturing emerging talent, Will Roantree has also joined the firm as an Associate. Roantree will work closely alongside Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw, gaining invaluable experience and contributing to the team’s ongoing projects. His arrival from CBRE in Ottawa, where he also served as an associate, highlights the synergy and talent flow within the industry. While Roantree’s tenure at Avison Young will be for a defined period, as he plans to enter law school in the fall of 2016, his immediate contributions will be crucial in supporting the new principals and bolstering the team’s operational capabilities. His role underscores the collaborative environment Avison Young fosters, where new talent is integrated and empowered to contribute from day one.

Avison Young: A Global Firm with Local Expertise and a Vision for the Future

These strategic hires are a clear indicator of Avison Young’s robust growth trajectory and its dedication to building an industry-leading team equipped to address the evolving demands of the commercial real estate market. With Lindsay Hockey and Oliver Kershaw now at the helm as Principals in the Ottawa office, Avison Young is exceptionally well-positioned to deepen its relationships with clients, expand its market share, and continue its legacy of providing innovative and strategic real estate solutions across the National Capital Region and specifically within the pivotal Kanata technology sector. Their combined expertise in tenant representation and agency leasing will serve as a cornerstone for Avison Young’s continued success and its reputation as a trusted advisor in commercial real estate.