Morris, Putnam and Deutsch team join Cresa

Manhattan, NY One of the nation’s top data center capital markets teams has joined Cresa. Michael Morris, along with Sumner Putnam and Matt Deutsch — formerly with Newmark — has joined the firm to launch a Data Center Capital Markets and Advisory platform. The platform will provide advisory, planning, transaction structuring, tenant and landlord representation, as well as capital markets solutions for major data center projects. Morris is an industry leader in data center real estate acquisition, having completed over 1,000 transactions in more than 50 markets globally. Known as one of the go-to experts in the field, he will lead the service line and will be based in Cresa’s New York City office, with support from across the country.

“The data center infrastructure expansion underway is one of the most important technological challenges of our time,” said Cresa CEO Tod Lickerman. “Michael and his team are true data center leaders and provide significant, unique advantages to our clients with strong insight, advocacy and the ability to get deals done.”

Morris, president, is an industry veteran and visionary who founded Newmark’s data center practice nearly 20 years ago. Over the years, the former vice chairman has led a wide range of mission-critical projects for various clients across the U.S., including Digital Realty Trust, Verizon, CyrusOne, Memorial Sloan Kettering, CoreSite, New York University, Landmark Dividend, and Chevron, and has worked with every major hyperscaler. He holds multiple data center design designations, including being named a Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQ) and a Data Center Dynamics Cooling Professional. He holds an MBA in finance from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business.

“I am thrilled to be joining Cresa to build a world-leading practice,” said Morris. “I was drawn to a shared vision with leadership for the firm and joining the Cresa board as an advisor to help shape Cresa’s future.”

Sumner Putnam, managing principal, was a key member of Newmark’s data center practice group and is a recognized leader in this niche sector. Previously at JLL, his expertise spans lease negotiations, site selection, and colocation agreements. Notable clients include CyrusOne, New York Life, HSBC, Bank of America, Tumi, NYU, Fidessa, Mapletree, and Kingstreet.

In addition, the team also includes Cresa senior analyst Mackensey Gawne, as well as Cresa’s global partner Knight Frank’s data center experts around the world, whom Morris has partnered with for nearly a quarter-century. Together they service all types of clients, including but not limited to landlords, tenants, sellers, and buyers.

Beyond their focus on the data center and mission-critical sector, the group will also continue to support office clients with their real estate requirements.