**New York People and Company News – Week of November 14, 2025**
**Ocean West Capital Partners Expands to New York**
Alex Bender has joined Ocean West Capital Partners as Managing Director of New York. He will lead the newly established New York office, focusing on expanding investment and advisory opportunities. Bender brings over 15 years of experience in asset management and investment, with a strong emphasis on the New York City market.
**Savills Promotes Julia Spivack to EVP and General Counsel**
Savills has promoted Julia Spivack to Executive Vice President and General Counsel for North America. In her new role, she will lead the Legal Department and manage all legal activities. Spivack will also counsel the firm’s senior executives on legal and strategic matters, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
**Skanska Announces CFO Succession Plan**
Skanska has announced a leadership transition in its U.S. building operations. Leo Sinicin, CFO of Skanska USA Building and Skanska USA Inc., will retire effective December 31, 2025. Dan DeRooy will take over as CFO for both entities starting January 1, 2026.
**SMBC Group Appoints Juan (JC) Kreutz to Key Leadership Roles**
SMBC Group has named Juan (JC) Kreutz as Americas Head of Structured Finance Solutions and Deputy Head for the Americas business. Based in New York, Kreutz will oversee various structured finance operations, including project finance, leveraged finance, real estate finance, global trade finance, as well as SMBC’s Latin America region.
**Professional Women in Construction NY Names Katie Nilsen as 2026 Board President**
Professional Women in Construction NY has appointed Katie Nilsen, VP of Development & Strategy at E-J Electric Installation Co., as President of the Board of Directors for 2026. Nilsen will lead efforts to advance the organization’s mission of promoting and supporting women and diverse professionals in the AEC and real estate industries.
**Douglas Elliman Names Chris Reyes Chief Technology Officer**
Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC has appointed Chris Reyes as Chief Technology Officer. Reyes most recently served in the same role at Brown Harris Stevens. With over 20 years of experience, he brings deep expertise in developing innovative enterprise platforms for real estate and financial services.
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