Top Young Professionals: The Rising Stars of Commercial Real Estate

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The 2025 class of Commercial Observer’s Top Young Professionals is packed with energy, innovation, and results. These rising stars—many of whom entered the field amid COVID’s upheaval—aren’t just surviving; they’re setting new standards across leasing, development, engineering, and investment. Whether brokering $165 million in industrial deals before turning 23 or managing engineering for Manhattan’s biggest adaptive reuse, this year’s honorees are defining what’s next in CRE.

Key Takeaways

• Giannina Brancato, 29 – L&L Holding Company: Leads leasing at 425 Park Avenue, one of Manhattan’s most prestigious and expensive new office towers.
  
• Marc D. Smouha, 22 – Founder: Launched his own firm in early 2025 and has already closed $165 million in industrial transactions—all before his 23rd birthday.
  
• Tom Bentsen, 29 – Adaptive Reuse Innovator: Oversees engineering for SL Green’s high-profile One Madison Avenue project, a landmark in office transformation.
  
• Erkan Kilic, 30 – Principal at Blackstone: Played a key role in the $17 billion Signature Bank loan portfolio acquisition alongside CPPIB, Rialto, and the FDIC.
  
• Amir Abdu, 34 – BGO Fund Manager: Leads BGO’s Core Plus Fund, which achieved a 50% rental income boost over three years—making it the firm’s top multifamily performer.
  
• A Generation Born Into Crisis: Many of these pros entered the industry amid pandemic uncertainty and rose quickly through grit, vision, and execution.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What criteria were used to select the Top Young Professionals in CRE?‍

A: Candidates were evaluated based on leadership, deal volume, innovation, and early impact across various CRE sectors including brokerage, development, engineering, and finance.

Q: Why are some sectors, like finance, underrepresented by women?

A: Despite a record number of submissions overall, only 4 of the 80 finance nominations were for women—highlighting an industry-wide need for more gender diversity.

‍Q: How old are the nominees?

A: Most professionals on the list are between 22 and 34 years old.

‍Q: What unites these professionals beyond age?‍

A: A common drive to lead, solve hard problems, and deliver results in one of the most complex real estate environments in history.

‍Q: Will there be another list next year?‍

A: Yes. Commercial Observer will continue spotlighting the next wave of real estate leaders annually, with the 2026 edition already in the works.

Q: Where can I read the full 2025 Young Professionals list?‍

A: Visit Commercial Observer’s Young Professionals 2025 for full profiles and photos.

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