RETS Associates expands Los Angeles team with addition of director Kawahito

Los Angeles, CA Sandra Kawahito has joined RETS Associates as a director.

Kawahito brings nearly a decade of executive search experience within the real estate industry, where she has successfully led full-cycle recruitment assignments across investments, asset management, acquisitions, development, construction, finance, and operations. She has supported a wide range of clients — from institutional investors to operating platforms — in identifying and securing top-tier talent at the executive level.

Prior to joining RETS Associates, Kawahito gained valuable search industry experience at such firms as RealAssets Executive Search and WP Osborne Executive Search. During her career, she’s played an integral role in executing senior-level searches for real estate companies and investment platforms. Her expertise spans the full recruitment lifecycle, including talent sourcing, candidate evaluation, interview management, offer negotiation, and closing.

“Sandra’s addition reflects our continued investment in top talent to better serve our clients,” said Kent Elliott, founder and principal at RETS Associates. “Her deep CRE knowledge, coupled with her relationship-driven approach, aligns with our firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for both clients and candidates.”

Kawahito is widely recognized for her ability to build lasting relationships across the industry, connecting leading organizations with high-performing professionals. Her collaborative style and market insight have made her a trusted advisor to both clients and candidates alike.

“I’m excited to join RETS Associates and contribute to a team that is highly respected throughout the commercial real estate industry,” said Kawahito. “The team’s reputation, people-first platform, and client relationships create an incredible opportunity to deliver meaningful impact.”

RETS is one of the nation’s most specialized executive and permanent search firms, delivering talent solutions exclusively to the commercial real estate industry. More than 50% of the RETS recruitment team comes from within the CRE industry, bringing decades of experience and insight to all aspects of real estate. Our dedicated team serves a client base that includes developers, owners operators, investors, brokers, homebuilders, family offices, construction companies, pension fund advisors, private equity, financial services, REITs, and corporate real estate.