Avison Young promotes Matthew McWatters to Canada leader of valuation

Avison Young, a global commercial real estate services firm, has named Matthew McWatters executive vice president and leader of valuation & advisory services in Canada.

McWatters’ elevation to the newly created role is part of the Toronto-based firm’s efforts to expand its valuation offering, which is situated within its professional services practice. The firm launched its professional services practice in April 2020 as a means of diversifying its offerings during the pandemic-fueled downturn in commercial real estate.

The practice supports clients with strategic planning in needs and portfolio analysis, corporate occupancy strategy, and real estate valuation. It also provides real estate-focused market and feasibility studies, due diligence, and realty tax appeals services.

McWatters has more than 10 years of valuation experience across a range of property types, including office, retail, industrial, and multi-residential. He has deep experience working with clients in pension funds, financial institutions, and the public and private sector.

He joined Avison Young as a principal in 2016, when the firm acquired Metrix Realty Group (Ontario) Inc. McWatters had spent the previous 11 years at the Toronto-based real estate valuation firm, latterly serving as vice president responsible for managing a team of appraisers and driving business development.

“We are committed to offering holistic professional services that meet clients’ evolving needs – and Matthew’s valuation leadership will drive insightful discussions and solutions with clients about how real estate can be an important asset in their business strategies,” said Sheila Botting, leader of professional services in the Americas. “We have tremendous opportunity across the North American marketplace to accelerate our expansion and build a distinct, high-service platform.”

Avison Young also plans to boost its technology investments with greater capabilities in data and reporting tools that drive client insights and innovation. The firm recently hired IT executive Martin Jepil to simplify the firm’s internal enterprise systems, as well as develop client solutions.

“Sheila Botting brings unmatched passion, leadership and experience across the Americas and I’m excited to support her vision,” said McWatters. “We have a diverse team across Canada and I’m looking forward to working with everyone to achieve goals, accelerate growth, build new relationships with clients, and make Avison Young a top destination for talent.”

Paul Stewart, the former president and founder of Metrix Ontario and a principal at Avison Young, will transition to the role of senior vice president of valuation & advisory services. When his firm was acquired in 2016, Stewart – who has more than 30 years of industry experience – was named head of the GTA valuation & advisory team. He was also tasked with expanding the valuation service line across Canada.

Avison Young earlier this year added three valuation leaders in its Edmonton office.

The firm has approximately 5,000 employees across 100+ offices in 15 countries.