Manhattan, NY Lee & Associates NYC has appointed Peter Braus as president. In his new role, Braus will continue the firm’s evolution to become the premiere middle-market commercial brokerage in New York City. James Wacht will step down as president and continue to serve a key role as managing principal and member of the firm’s executive team.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue to evolve with Lee & Associates NYC since co-founding the NYC office in 2011,” said Braus. “With a clear vision for our future, I am excited about steering the firm towards our shared goals.”

Braus, who most recently served as the firm’s managing principal, has over 25 years of experience in real estate ownership and brokerage. He played a critical role in some of the city’s most notable transactions, including the $18.2 million sale of the Banking Hall at 108 Leonard St. to Jack Shainman Gallery, the 30,000 s/f lease of commissary space to Union Square Hospitality at Terminal Warehouse, and City Winery’s 32,000 s/f flagship location at Pier 57, which was recognized as the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) Retail Deal of the Year in 2020.

“Peter’s deep understanding and forward-thinking approach uniquely position him to guide the firm to become a best-in-class, mid-size, full-service real estate service provider in the industry,” said Wacht. “We’re thrilled to appoint Peter as president and eagerly anticipate the firm’s future under his strategic leadership.”

In addition to appointing Braus as president, Lee & Associates NYC recently welcomed Todd Korren as principal, executive managing director|director of leasing to lead the day-to-day brokerage operations, recruit, develop, and manage agents and staff, participate in strategic planning and financial reporting, and externally promote Lee & Associates NYC in the marketplace.