NEW YORK—Cushman & Wakefield has named Raymond W. Kelly, former commissioner of the New York City Police Department, as president of risk management services, effective March 24.
Cushman & Wakefield’s newly formed RMS group will offer clients tailored solutions to manage and mitigate risks around the world. As president of RMS, Kelly’s role will focus on helping clients identify potential vulnerabilities and prepare for and manage risk across a number of critical areas. These include physical and cyber security intelligence, crisis management, due diligence/site selection and emergency preparedness.
As the longest-serving commissioner in NYPD history, the city saw a reduction in crime, including a 40% decrease in violent crimes over the past 12 years, during his tenure. During this time, the counterterrorism and intelligence bureaus also were established following the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Cushman & Wakefield President/CEO Ed Forst stated, “Today is a historic day for Cushman & Wakefield. Commissioner Kelly could have chosen from a multitude of companies to work for and we are honored that he elected to join Cushman & Wakefield. His proven track record of successfully managing risk in business, law enforcement, public safety and the military are obvious. The risks our global clients face are diverse, disruptive, geographic in scope and constantly evolving. Adding one of the world’s foremost risk management and security experts to our leadership team will provide our clients the highest level risk-management service in the industry and adds incredible power to our brand.”
In addition to twice serving as the New York City Police Commissioner, Kelly’s 50-year career in public service includes directing the International Police Force in Haiti, serving as a VP of Interpol from 1996-2000, commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service and undersecretary of enforcement at the U.S. Treasury Department. He retired as a Colonel in 1993 after 30 years’ of service from the United States Marine Corps Reserves, including serving a combat tour in Vietnam.
For his service in Haiti, Kelly was awarded the exceptionally meritorious service commendation from the President of the United States. In September 2006, Kelly was awarded France’s highest decoration, the Legion d’Honneur, by then-French Minister of the Interior Nicholas Sarkozy.
The new president of RMS holds a BBA from Manhattan College, a JD from St. John’s University School of Law, an LLM from New York University Graduate School of Law and an MPA from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.