CBRE Global Investors has hired Berkshire Group’s CEO Charles Leitner to replace global CEO Ritson Ferguson.

The $107bn (€97bn) real asset investment management firm said Ferguson – who had informed the company of his intention to step down from the role – will remain as CEO of CBRE Clarion Securities, the real asset securities business he co-founded in 1991.

Leitner served as president and CEO of US residential property specialist Berkshire since 2013. Prior to Berkshire, he served as global CEO of DWS’s RREEF.

He currently serves as a trustee and member of the board and executive committee of Penn Medicine. He is a trustee of the Urban Land Institute, where he formerly served as chairman of the Greenprint Center for Building Performance.

Daniel Queenan, global CEO of CBRE’s real estate investments business segment, said: “Leitner has all the qualities we are looking for in the leader of our investment management business.

“He is an accomplished investor and operator and a strategic thinker with wide-ranging experience. Our people and our business will flourish under his strong leadership.”

“I am thrilled to join CBRE Global Investors, Leitner said.

“We have a great team, highly regarded brand, global footprint and diversified offerings– the perfect combination to deliver outstanding returns for investors in today’s global real assets marketplace.”