OLD BRIDGE, NJ — R.J. Brunelli & Co., LLC announced the appointments of founder Richard Brunelli as chairman of the board, Ron DeLuca as CEO, Danielle Brunelli-Albrecht as president, and Bill Lenaz as executive VP of business development. All four have been principals of the retail real estate brokerage since the time it became an LLC in 2010. In the newly created role of CEO, DeLuca will work with Brunelli-Albrecht on strategic planning, while also directing R.J. Brunelli’s day-to-day operations, including review and approval of all representation agreements, and other legal documents; hiring of new staff; and oversight of all trade show activities. He will also continue to supervise the firm’s annual retail vacancy study, as well as ensure that the sales team conforms to the company’s standards on landlord representation accounts. Along with Brunelli-Albrecht, he will additionally continue to actively represent the firm’s interests in nationwide broker network Realty Resources. In assuming the reins from her father as president, Brunelli-Albrecht will be responsible for the overall management of the firm’s team of sales associates; recruitment of new sales associates; ensuring that the sales team conforms to the company’s standards on tenant representation assignments; and oversight of all advertising and public relations activities. As spokesperson for the firm, she will also continue to appear on various retail real estate industry panels. Lenaz, in the newly created position of Executive VP of business development, will focus his efforts on significant new retail development projects, consult and mentor the firm’s sales staff in development areas, as well as uncover new areas for investment for consideration by the R.J. Brunelli Board. n Consistently ranked as the firm’s top deal-maker, Lenaz has been actively involved in developing new business opportunities along high-traffic regional retail corridors, as well as pre-leasing centers in the development stage. These have included such notable central New Jersey projects as The Commons at Holmdel and Summerhill Square in East Brunswick, both featuring multiple national anchors and, more recently, the Whole Foods-anchored Marlboro Commons. On the tenant side, Lenaz has directed strategic expansion plans in New Jersey for such prominent companies as Red Robin, Chase Bank, Houlihan’s Restaurants, and P.C. Richard and Sons.
“I am very pleased that Ron and Danielle, and Bill will be assuming the responsibilities of CEO, President, and Executive V.P respectively,” said Brunelli. “At a time when we are looking to aggressively expand our footprint in the retail real estate industry, their appointments represent an important step in a senior management transition that began when we formed our LLC in 2010. Their combined energy, experience and dedication to exceeding our clients’ expectations through best-in-class tenant and landlord services will ensure the company’s continued success for another 40 years.”
Brunelli, who founded the firm in 1975, will remain active in the business, focusing on special projects, while stepping away from day-to-day operations.
“On a personal note,” Brunelli continued, “I’m especially proud to be passing the presidency of my ‘business baby’ on to the very capable hands of my oldest child. As a person who literally grew up in the business, Danielle rapidly emerged as one of our top deal-makers and later earned her seat on our senior leadership team. Meanwhile, Ron, a successful deal-maker in his own right, complements Danielle’s leadership abilities by bringing critical skill-sets in corporate management, strategic planning, marketing and technology. Bill’s demonstrated success with opening doors, and closing deals is second to none. His in-depth relationships with landlords and the retail brokerage community, knowledge of most national tenants’ requirements, and ability to draw site plans and pre-lease proposed centers, have led to a long and very successful career since the time he joined R.J. Brunelli. As our company’s new leadership looks to build our team, all recognize the high importance of having experienced salespeople to service accounts and supporting them with state-of-the-art marketing and canvassing tools.”