CBRE Group Inc. has tapped longtime real estate broker Louis Christopher to play a key role in the firm’s tenant representation activities as a vice chairman.

In a deal that took six months to finalize, C-III Capital Partners L.L.C. has completed its acquisition of NAI Global, the largest network of independent commercial real estate firms worldwide.

NorthMarq Capital has kicked off 2012 with some major changes at the top, as the firm has named Jeff Weidell and William Ross, who had held the respective positions of managing director and executive vice president, as presidents of the company.

It’s not just Manhattan that’s attracting investors to New York, and Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services has made a move to expand its services in the state with the opening of a new office in White Plains.

American Realty Capital continues to incorporate the magic produced by top executives at the former Grubb & Ellis Capital Corp. into its broker dealer subsidiary, Realty Capital Securities, with the hiring of Richard Arnitz.

After the passing of sale-leaseback trailblazer William Polk Carey, his legacy was remembered by industry professionals who knew him as “fearless” and “a pioneer.”

When Wm. Polk Carey passed away yesterday, he left behind a legacy. The 81-year-old founder & chairman of multibillion-dollar investment management company W. P. Carey & Co. was a trailblazer in the sale-leaseback arena.

Taken as a whole, 2011 was something of a tumultuous year, but an interesting time for commercial real estate. CPE presents our top 11 stories from 2011.

Despite the holiday season, December has been busy for many firms — JLL, Transwestern and CBRE, among others — with some new hires and promotions to key positions.

In an effort to continue the firm’s ongoing expansion outside its New York City base, Silverstein Properties Inc. has announced the appointment of Martin Burger as co-CEO. Burger, who joined Silverstein in February 2010, will now work directly alongside president & CEO Larry Silverstein.