Avison Young Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Avison Young has 8 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, client relations, professional services, and investment management.

Focused on creating spaces that improve lives, Avison Young delivers commercial real estate solutions that drive productivity and prosperity for businesses and communities across the globe.

Leadership Roles at Avison Young

  • Principal, Chief Operating Officer, U. S. - Keith Lipton
  • Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer - Charla Heimer
  • Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer - Martin Dockrill
  • Principal and President, Americas Professional Services - Sheila Botting
  • Principal, President of Clients - Harry Klaff
  • Founder & Quebec Brokerage Services President & Principal - Tom Godber
  • Global President, Investment Management - Amy Erixon
  • - Principal, Chief Information Officer - Lyndal Hanna
  • Keith Lipton - Principal, Chief Operating Officer, U. S.

    Keith Lipton, the Principal, Chief Operating Officer, U. S. at Avison Young, manages the operational framework across the United States to ensure seamless service delivery. By streamlining internal processes, Lipton supports the firm's goal of fostering productive and prosperous business environments. The Chief Operating Officer, U. S. coordinates with regional leadership to execute growth strategies that align with the company's focus on community impact. This role involves overseeing resource allocation and operational efficiency to maintain high standards in commercial real estate management. Through rigorous performance monitoring, Keith Lipton ensures that the firm meets the evolving needs of employees and clients alike. By optimizing operational workflows, Lipton secures the stability required for long-term success, directly contributing to the firm's reputation as a leader in creating spaces that matter.

    Charla Heimer - Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Charla Heimer, the Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer at Avison Young, directs the execution of operational excellence to support the firm's mission of improving lives through real estate. By managing complex organizational structures, Heimer ensures that business units remain agile and responsive to market demands. The Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer oversees the integration of service lines, facilitating collaboration that enhances client outcomes. This leadership role involves refining internal policies to drive efficiency and maintain the firm's high standards for professional service. Through strategic oversight of daily operations, Charla Heimer enables the company to deliver spaces that help businesses thrive. By fostering a culture of operational discipline, Heimer ensures that the firm consistently achieves its goals, ultimately strengthening the overall market position of the organization.

    Martin Dockrill - Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer

    Martin Dockrill, the Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer at Avison Young, architects the global operational strategy to ensure consistency and excellence across all international territories. By aligning regional activities with the firm's core mission, Dockrill drives the expansion of services that improve business productivity. The Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer oversees the coordination of cross-border initiatives, ensuring that the firm maintains a unified approach to commercial real estate. This leadership role involves managing global performance metrics and optimizing resource distribution to support sustainable growth. Through the implementation of standardized operational frameworks, Martin Dockrill enhances the firm's ability to deliver value to clients worldwide. By focusing on long-term operational scalability, Dockrill ensures that the organization remains a positive force in the global real estate market.
    Martin Dockrill

    Sheila Botting - Principal and President, Americas Professional Services

    Sheila Botting, the Principal and President, Americas Professional Services at Avison Young, directs the delivery of high-value consulting and advisory services across the Americas. By focusing on the intersection of people and place, Botting ensures that professional services contribute to the firm's goal of improving lives and business outcomes. The Principal and President, Americas Professional Services oversees the development of strategic solutions for complex real estate challenges, including workplace strategy and sustainability. This leadership role involves guiding teams to provide actionable insights that help clients optimize their physical assets. Through the expansion of service offerings, Sheila Botting strengthens the firm's market impact and reputation for excellence. By prioritizing client success and community well-being, Botting ensures that the professional services division remains a cornerstone of the company's growth strategy.
    Sheila Botting

    Harry Klaff - Principal, President of Clients

    Harry Klaff, the Principal, President of Clients at Avison Young, directs the firm's client engagement strategy to ensure that every interaction reflects the company's commitment to improving business productivity. By cultivating deep relationships with major occupiers and investors, Klaff ensures that the firm delivers tailored solutions that meet specific organizational needs. The Principal, President of Clients oversees the alignment of service delivery with client expectations, driving satisfaction and long-term loyalty. This leadership role involves coordinating with various business lines to provide a seamless experience that helps businesses thrive. Through the development of client-centric initiatives, Harry Klaff enhances the firm's market presence and competitive advantage. By focusing on the human element of real estate, Klaff ensures that the company remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking to create positive and productive environments.
    Harry Klaff

    Tom Godber - Founder & Quebec Brokerage Services President & Principal

    Tom Godber, the Founder & Quebec Brokerage Services President & Principal at Avison Young, directs the brokerage operations within the Quebec market to drive regional growth and client success. By leveraging deep local market knowledge, Godber ensures that brokerage activities align with the firm's mission of creating spaces that improve lives. The Founder & Quebec Brokerage Services President & Principal oversees the recruitment and development of top-tier talent to maintain high service standards. This leadership role involves managing complex transactions and providing strategic advice to clients navigating the commercial real estate landscape. Through the expansion of brokerage capabilities, Tom Godber strengthens the firm's footprint and influence in the region. By prioritizing long-term relationships and community impact, Godber ensures that the brokerage division contributes significantly to the overall prosperity of the firm.

    Amy Erixon - Global President, Investment Management

    Amy Erixon, the Global President, Investment Management at Avison Young, directs the firm's investment strategies to maximize value for stakeholders while supporting the company's mission of creating positive community impact. By overseeing the acquisition and management of diverse real estate portfolios, Erixon ensures that investment decisions align with long-term sustainability and productivity goals. The Global President, Investment Management coordinates with international teams to identify opportunities that enhance the firm's market position. This leadership role involves managing risk and optimizing capital allocation to deliver superior financial performance. Through the implementation of innovative investment models, Amy Erixon drives growth and ensures that the firm remains a leader in the global investment landscape. By focusing on the intersection of financial success and social responsibility, Erixon ensures that the investment management division supports the firm's broader commitment to improving lives.
    Amy Erixon

    Lyndal Hanna - - Principal, Chief Information Officer

    Lyndal Hanna, the - Principal, Chief Information Officer at Avison Young, directs the digital transformation strategy to enhance commercial real estate operations. By architecting scalable technology infrastructure, Hanna ensures data-driven insights support the firm's commitment to improving business productivity. The Chief Information Officer oversees global cybersecurity protocols and software integration, aligning technical capabilities with the broader mission of creating positive impacts in the built environment. Through the implementation of advanced analytics platforms, Hanna optimizes how the firm manages square footage and occupancy data for clients. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with regional teams to maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape. Lyndal Hanna drives innovation by modernizing internal systems, ultimately ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for growth and efficiency across all international markets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Avison Young Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Avison Young?
    Avison Young is led by Keith Lipton (Principal, Chief Operating Officer, U. S.), along with executives such as Charla Heimer (Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer) and Martin Dockrill (Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Avison Young’s executive team?
    The executive team of Avison Young includes leaders such as Keith Lipton (Principal, Chief Operating Officer, U. S.), Charla Heimer (Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer), Martin Dockrill (Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Avison Young have?
    Avison Young has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Avison Young’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Avison Young includes roles such as Principal, Chief Operating Officer, U. S., Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Principal & Global Chief Operating Officer, Principal and President, Americas Professional Services, Principal, President of Clients.