Michael Edward has joined the Boston office of Grubb & Ellis Co. as the executive vice president and managing director.

Edward will be responsible for the company’s real estate services operations in the Boston area, according to a statement.

"Mike is a great fit for us because of his reputation in the industry, deep relationships and demonstrated success in leadership roles," said Shawn Mobley, president, brokerage services. "Boston is a tremendously important growth market for Grubb & Ellis, and I’m confident that the experience, dedication to client service and integrity Mike brings to the table will help us build a better foundation for that growth."

Edward is a commercial real estate veteran with 28 years of experience. Before joining Grubb & Ellis, he served as senior vice president with Lincoln Property Co., where he headed the company’s Boston brokerage operation since 2008, according to a statement.

When asked why he was leaving Lincoln Property Co., Edward told Banker & Tradesman that the move to Grubb & Ellis was a "great opportunity." He said he is impressed with the company’s commitment to expand its platform.

Edward wants to "hit the ground running" in his new position and says one of his goals is to make Grub & Ellis one of the top three service providers in Boston. He names CB Richard Ellis and Jones Lang LaSalle as two of their biggest competitors. Edward’s strategy for competing with these two powerhouses is to add key personnel for core business in the brokerage group and to expand geographic coverage, project management and the property group.