Greenberg Traurig continues growth of real estate practice

Continuing the strategic expansion of its award-winning Real Estate Practice, global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has added Shareholder Stan Johnson, as well as Associate attorneys Andrew Yocopis and Roger Bond Choquette in the firm’s Phoenix office.

“Greenberg Traurig’s Real Estate practice has had an exciting 2018, both in terms of growth and industry-shaping transactions,” said Global Real Estate Practice Co-Chairs Robert J. IvanhoeCorey E. Light, and Richard J. Giusto. “The addition of Stan, Andrew, and Roger contributes to our already deep bench of award-winning real estate attorneys who are focused on delivering quality and value for clients, whether locally or on a global scale, across sectors.”

Earlier in 2018,  Greenberg Traurig’s Phoenix office added litigator Michael Liburdi, government law & policy attorney Daniel Seiden, labor and employment attorney Michael Mason, hospitality and real estate attorney Caroline Pricher, and corporate and tax attorney Jake B. Smith. 

“Greenberg Traurig continues to strategically grow in Phoenix with the addition of talented attorneys in key practice area,” said Phoenix Managing Shareholder Nicole M. Goodwin, named among the “Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” for 2018 by Arizona Business Magazine. “Stan, Andrew, and Roger add depth to our Real Estate team and will make an immediate impact. We are excited to welcome them to Greenberg Traurig.”

BBVA announces new U.S. country manager and BBVA Compass CEO

The BBVA Group named Javier Rodriguez Soler as CEO for BBVA Compass and country manager for the Group’s U.S. operations, following the appointment of Onur Genç as BBVA Group CEO. The appointment will provide continuity to the execution of the bank’s current strategy and continue the strong momentum the bank has built in the U.S.

“Javier is the best fit for advancing the work of the bank in the U.S.,” said BBVA’s current U.S. Country Manager and future BBVA Group CEO Onur Genç. “His broad range of experience, both in the U.S. and globally, will ensure that BBVA in the U.S. will continue on the path of profitable growth that is underpinned by its digital transformation efforts.”

Rodriguez Soler is currently BBVA Group’s global head of Strategy and M&A, where his corporate development functions include setting the strategy at both the Group and country level, where he has had extensive exposure to the U.S. His area of responsibility also includes the Real Estate and Equity Holdings units. Rodriguez Soler joined the bank in 2008 as a managing director for Corporate & Investment Banking.

Moors & Cabot hires a Phoenix complex manager

“Roll Tide!” was how the young Ashley Folkes cheered on his beloved Alabama football team. There was no way this native of Dothan, Alabama, could have predicted the roller coaster of a journey his life would take that would wind up with him becoming an executive in one of the oldest and most prestigious investment firms in the U.S. In December 2018, Folkes became Senior Vice President—Investments of Moors & Cabot, Inc., a 128-year-old wealth management company, headquartered in Boston. He is now the Arizona Complex Manager, and his story is a unique American tale that demonstrates how hard work, persistence, and faith can change one life and the fortunes of many.

The lessons Folkes learned from his parents about hard work allowed him to play basketball, juggle three jobs, and assume leadership roles in everything from a fraternity to sports to academics, while attending Troy University. His life-long mission was inspired by an encounter he had as a new financial specialist in the bank after earning his business marketing degree. A man started crying after Folkes turned him down for a loan he needed to bury his wife. “At 23, I knew right then and there that I wanted to help people plan, save, and invest for their financial future—the good and the bad. I have not looked back since.”

Plexus hires new treasurer

Plexus Worldwide (Plexus), a leading direct-selling health and wellness company focused on health and happiness, is pleased to announce the addition of industry leader, Jack Spitzer, to its executive team as Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Finance. 

As part of his leadership role at Plexus, Spitzer oversees the finance department including financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax and accounting.

“Jack is a well-known leader in the direct-selling industry who brings new ideas and vast experience in global finance to Plexus,” said Steve Howard, Chief Financial Officer. “In addition to his professional expertise, we’re confident Jack will be a great cultural fit who will complement our leadership team as we continue to grow and expand internationally.”

“Having spent the last 20-years in Phoenix leading financial teams and helping companies expand, I am thrilled to join the executive team at Plexus as we enter our second decade,” said Jack Spitzer, Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Finance. “This organization has an outstanding reputation and I am excited for our continued expansion.”