Blake Okland has joined Berkadia as chief revenue officer, bringing multifamily expertise from Cushman & Wakefield where he led the firm's multifamily capital markets platform from December 2023 through early 2026.
Okland's appointment reflects Berkadia's push to expand its investment sales and mortgage banking divisions. His background in multifamily capital markets positions him to deepen the brokerage's reach in a sector that remains central to institutional investment activity, even as interest rates and cap rates create shifting deal dynamics.
The hire signals Berkadia's competitive ambitions in a crowded broker marketplace. Multifamily remains a marquee asset class for institutional players, REITs, and private equity firms. Control over deal flow in this space translates directly to fee revenue and client relationships. By recruiting Okland from one of the largest commercial real estate platforms globally, Berkadia gains a proven revenue builder with established relationships in the sector.
For sellers of multifamily properties, the addition of an experienced CRO suggests Berkadia may compete more aggressively on pricing visibility and capital access. Buyers and institutional investors benefit when brokerages expand their platforms and deep expertise because competition typically improves deal transparency and reduces information asymmetries.
For mortgage banking clients, Berkadia's emphasis on growth under new leadership could mean more aggressive lending terms and faster execution. Berkadia has become a significant player in multifamily debt since its formation through the merger of Berkley and Radius, and Okland's mandate to drive revenue suggests the firm plans to underwrite more volume.
The timing matters. Multifamily financing remains competitive but challenged by elevated interest rates and refinance spreads. Lenders who attract strong operations leaders tend to win more business by moving quickly and offering flexible terms. Okland's assignment to grow both platforms simultaneously indicates Berkadia sees