Newmark Taps Marin-Connected Leader for San Francisco Growth, Bringing a Unique Coaching Philosophy to Commercial Real Estate
A significant shift’s underway in San Francisco’s commercial real estate scene. This change could seriously impact how businesses in Marin County and beyond get support.
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Newmark, a big name in the industry, just appointed Drew Petersen as its new Executive Vice President and Market Head for the San Francisco office. He starts in May.
But this isn’t your typical executive hire. Petersen brings a philosophy shaped by years as a performance coach—something that might finally bring a more human touch to the often impersonal world of commercial real estate deals.
A Coach’s Perspective on Commercial Real Estate
Petersen doesn’t lead with numbers or deal stats when he talks about his work. Instead, he focuses on “coaching and being involved in other people’s lives.”
That mindset stands out in a field obsessed with transactions. He seems to genuinely believe that client relationships and personal growth matter as much as closing deals.
His approach comes from years spent helping people push toward their best selves.
From Championship Courts to Boardrooms
Petersen’s path to this leadership role? Definitely not the usual route.
- Mental Performance Coaching: Before real estate, Petersen worked as a mental performance coach. He helped athletes at every level—from high school hopefuls to college stars and pros—get their heads in the game.
- Elite Athletic Involvement: He even spent time with the University of Washington men’s basketball team and coached athletes prepping for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. That kind of high-stakes experience probably gives him a unique edge.
- Adaptive Leadership at Harvard-Affiliated Consultancy: Petersen also worked at Cambridge Leadership Associates, a consultancy linked to Harvard. They push adaptive leadership—think more learning and listening, less rigid hierarchy. It’s a refreshing change from the old-school, top-down approach.
All these experiences—helping people grow, adapt, and handle pressure—now come into play in commercial real estate. In this field, you need sharp strategy and real people skills.
Returning to the Roots of Real Estate Innovation
Petersen’s no stranger to commercial real estate. He started out nearly 20 years ago as a leasing specialist at Cornish & Carey, which eventually became part of Newmark.
Since then, he’s held key roles at JLL’s Sacramento office and at Strada Investment Group. Now, he’s coming back to Newmark in San Francisco—a bit of a full-circle moment, bringing new ideas to a company he knows well.
A Strategic Return to San Francisco
Jon Mackey, Northwest Market Leader for Newmark, says he’s excited about Petersen’s “innovation/”>unique skill set“ and what it could mean for the company’s growth. The San Francisco office is a key spot for Newmark.
Petersen’s leadership might bring a fresh spark and new strategy to the team. That’s good news for businesses on both sides of the Golden Gate—especially those in Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Tiburon that depend on San Francisco’s market for their commercial needs.
The Power of Process and Presence
Petersen’s academic pursuits have shaped his unique approach in some pretty significant ways. He studied at UC Davis’s business school and later trained in mindful performance, including the mPEAK program at UC San Diego.
These experiences built the foundation for his coaching methods. He loves teaching athletes and executives to focus on process, presence, and internal guidance—not just chasing after outcomes.
He believes this way of thinking fits perfectly with the unpredictable world of commercial real estate. You have to stay present and deliberate if you want to navigate shifting markets and client needs.
Petersen sees the San Francisco Bay Area as a hotbed of innovation and possibility. Coming back here isn’t just about personal ambition for him; he genuinely wants to help push things forward.
For companies in the North Bay, from Santa Rosa to Petaluma and down through Sonoma County, his new leadership role hints at a stronger focus on client needs in a really important market.
Here is the source article for this story: News | Former performance coach lands leadership job at Newmark in San Francisco
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