Cleveland, Ohio

CLEVELAND – October 25, 2007 – Colliers Ostendorf-Morris, the largest privately-held full-service commercial real estate organization in Ohio, has named Warren L. Morris to head its operations in the newly created post of President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Morris, presently a Partner, is the third generation of the Morris family to take the helm of this company.

Mr. Morris succeeds William N. West, who was Managing Partner for the past 31 years and has been with the company since 1968. In handing over the day-to-day responsibility for running the company to Mr. Morris, Mr. West will now focus his energies on a select group of clients and make his counsel available to the company.

A top producer for the company for the past 26 years, Warren Morris has completed more than 700 transactions that involved the sale of more than 5 million square feet of office space. He began with the company in 1981 as an associate and in 1986 he was promoted to Vice President. In 1998, Mr. Morris was named Manager of the Office Services Group, and in 2004 became an equity partner of the company and a member of its board of directors.

As he assumes his new duties, Mr. Morris will work closely with partner David P. O'Neill, who has been an outstanding performer since he joined the company in 1982.  Mr. O'Neill was once again named "Broker of the Year" in 2007 by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and is excellent in developing and maintaining long-term client relationships for the firm. Mr. Morris and Mr. O'Neill will focus their attention on streamlining day-to-day operations and working to improve all aspects of the company's operations. They also will seek to broaden the ownership base of the company to achieve enhanced growth.

Working alongside them will be partner Joseph P. Ditchman, Jr., with the company since 1969, who will continue to employ his expertise to develop new markets and conclude significant transactions.   

At this time, while the company will be expanding its equity ownership, the present ownership structure of Colliers Ostendorf-Morris remains essentially the same. With Mr. Morris, Mr. O'Neill, Mr. West and Mr. Ditchman all being full partners in the company.

Mr. Morris, the third generation of his family to lead this firm, follows his father, Stephen C. Morris, who was with the firm from 1949 to 1985 and grandfather, Warren L. Morris, who with Edgar L. Ostendorf founded the Ostendorf-Morris company in 1939. 

About Colliers Ostendorf-Morris

Colliers Ostendorf-Morris is the largest, full service commercial real estate firm in NortheastOhio. With local offices in Cleveland, Akron, and Pepper Pike and a partnership of 267 offices in 57 countries, the experienced professionals of Colliers Ostendorf-Morris provide clients with customized and creative solutions, consistently superior service, and the most comprehensive real estate services and worldwide coverage in the global marketplace.  With over $63 billion dollars in transaction volume, 670 million square feet under management, 10,000 employees, and more than $1 billion dollars in volume, we bring you the global commercial real estate expertise you demand. The pioneering tradition of global breadth and local depth means that the best firms around the world, under the umbrella of a single partnership, are working to create an impact for clients. Whether a client is looking for brokerage or investment advice, property management services, or a complete real estate outsourcing solution, Colliers OM has the answer.

To find out more about how Colliers Ostendorf-Morris can deliver innovative, impactful real estate solutions customized for you, visit www.colliersom.com

Contact Information

Megan E. Jones
Director of Public Relations
Colliers Ostendorf-Morris
1100 Superior Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216.861.5087

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