Donna Abood: Realty veteran takes helm at market entrant Savills Florida

For just over four months since taking on the vice chairman and co-head position at Savills, Donna Abood has been working on growth strategy, focusing on recruiting and retention, revenue production, and increasing the brand’s visibility in the state.

Working alongside Mike Griffin, Ms. Abood said she has hit the ground running since day one and is driving the firm’s growth and visibility in this critically important and fast-growing market of commercial real estate.

Ms. Abood previously was principal and co-managing director of Avison Young in Miami, joining the company after her firm, Abood Wood-Fay Real Estate Group LLC, was acquired by Avison Young in 2014. At Avison Young, she became the first female managing director in the firm’s history. She managed over 15 commercial real estate professionals and was responsible for overseeing client services, business development, recruitment, as well as tenant and landlord representation services across Miami-Dade County.

She has been actively involved in organizations and boards, including the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, where she served as chairwoman. Additionally, she now is chairwoman of the board of governors for the College of Business at Florida State University. Past board posts include Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Florida State University’s Foundation.

With deep local ties within the commercial real estate landscape in South Florida, Ms. Abood said she has her sights focused on significantly enhancing Savills operations, presence and driving the firm’s success in Florida. 

“I am excited about the tremendous opportunity to work with our North American and regional leadership teams,” she said, “as well as the local professionals who are advising clients in Florida, to strengthen our platform and brand in the state.”

Ms. Abood spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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