N
ewmark is expanding its presence in Southern California's multifamily debt market. The firm has hired two new executives, Vincent Punzi and Lowell Takahashi, as executive managing directors at its Irvine office. They will focus on structured finance and debt placement for multifamily properties.

    Punzi and Takahashi come from Berkadia, where they worked together since 2019. Prior to that, they held senior positions at Capital One. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, the duo brings a wealth of knowledge to Newmark's team. Takahashi also has ties to the firm, having previously worked at Berkeley Point Capital before it was acquired by Newmark in 2018.

    Newmark's decision to invest in its debt advisory platform comes as the commercial real estate brokerage industry faces challenges. Despite this, the firm has reported strong financials, with revenues up 12 percent last quarter and a 18.5 percent increase in capital markets revenue. By bucking the trend of cost-cutting measures, Newmark is positioning itself for success when the market recovers.