Commercial real estate firm recognised eight consecutive years for overall business performance and sustained growth
Avison Young, the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm, announced today that it is a 2019 winner of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation, having retained its Best Managed designation for eight consecutive years.
Sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business and TMX Group, the Best Managed program recognises the best-in-class of Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues greater than $15 million demonstrating strategy, capability and commitment to achieve sustainable growth.
Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.
Now in its 26th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs, recognising Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices.
The announcement was made today in a Deloitte-issued press release and in Canadian Business and Maclean’s magazine.
“On behalf of the board of directors of Avison Young, our employees, our clients and our partners, we are humbled to achieve Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club status once again,” comments Avison Young Chair and CEO Mark Rose. “This recognition not only highlights our company's success in our Principal-led growth strategy and management approach, but also the expertise and commitment of our employees, our collaborative culture, and our continued focus on pursuing innovation and investing in meeting the needs of our clients.”
Rose continues: “As a company that was founded in Canada and now operates in 20 countries, we couldn’t be more proud to receive this award, and we thank Deloitte and the other award administrators for recognizing Avison Young among a distinguished group of Platinum members.”
Over the past 10 years, Toronto-headquartered Avison Young has grown from 300 real estate professionals in 11 offices in Canada to approximately 5,000 professionals in 120 offices in 20 countries.
“Companies that earn Platinum Club status exemplify exceptional vision and leadership and a sustained commitment to growth and innovation,” says Dino Medves, Senior Vice-President and Head, CIBC Commercial Banking. “CIBC is proud to recognize these and all of the 2019 Canada’s Best Managed Companies as leaders in their industries.”
In July 2018, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, made a C$250-million preferred equity investment to accelerate Avison Young's strategic growth plan. In October 2018, Avison Young opened its first office in Asia, in Seoul, South Korea; and in February 2019, Avison Young acquired U.K.-based GVA in a transformational deal that established Avison Young as the only privately held, Principal-led, global, full-service commercial real estate services firm.
“Winning this prestigious award once is a clear sign that a company is performing to the highest possible standards. However, when a company receives the award for eight consecutive years, it becomes apparent that the company has raised the bar and established an entirely new set of standards for its industry,” says Michael Keenan, Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the firm’s Vancouver, BC office. “While winning this award is a source of great pride for all of us at Avison Young, what it means for our clients is that they can trust us.”
Applicants are evaluated by an independent panel of judges comprising representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. The 2019 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include a clear strategy and vision, investment in capability and commitment to talent.
“This year’s Best Managed winners are a testament to the success found when businesses invest in talent, innovate intentionally, and think long term,” states Lorrie King, Partner, Deloitte Private and Co-Leader, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. “These companies should be proud of this achievement, and their responsibility in acting as role models for other Canadian businesses.”
The 2019 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at the annual Canada’s Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto on April 17, 2019. On the same date, the Best Managed symposium will address leading-edge business issues that are key to the success of today’s business leaders.
Avison Young board member Carol Johnson notes: “In this competitive environment, our employees and clients require sustained and exceptional business performance – achieved through a clear vision and strategy, executed with strong investment partners and a commitment to excellence. Avison Young continues in this spirit, taking bold actions to build a differentiated company that can deliver on the promises we make to our stakeholders. We especially want to thank our clients, Principals and partners who believe in us and work courageously to deliver every day.”
Adds Jason Sibthorpe, Avison Young Principal and President of the company’s U.K. region: “Avison Young will always be a business that is defined by its culture, putting our people and our clients at the heart of everything we do. We strive to be creative, innovative, diverse and inclusive. Whilst this is a Canadian award, our familial and professional ethos cascades across the entire international business, and we are all so proud to have such recognition and to share in the kudos of such an important accolade.”