Cresa has named James Underhill as its new CEO, replacing interim chief executive Richard Rhodes.

Underhill is previous CEO of the Americas at Cushman & Wakefield and previously founded the Staubach Co. – Northeast before its acquisition by JLL in 2008.

Underhill most recently served as a strategic advisor to Cresa’s board of directors.

“His hiring is the next step in our strategic plan, and working with Jim as an advisor to our board gave us the ability to truly evaluate the fit. During this period, it became clear that Jim was the right person to lead our global growth, investment, and innovation,” Cresa Chairman Matt Feeney said in a statement.

Cresa, the world’s largest commercial brokerage that specializes in tenant representation, said it plans to double its staff and revenue within five years.

Underhill will be based in Cresa’s Washington, D.C. office. Rhodes will continue as a member of the executive committee and board of directors, and a managing principal of Cresa Washington, D.C.