By Tony Wilbert
Updated at 11:50 a.m. June 28; updated again at 4:25 p.m. July 2 with image of ad Cushman & Wakefield ran in The New York Times.
New York (June 27, 2008) - Terry Spillane, “the face of Cushman & Wakefield,” has died. Spillane served as long-time director of media relations at Cushman & Wakefield and was intimately involved in announcing all of C&W’s major transaction, acquisitions and new hires.
Spillane was 52. Commercial Property News reports the cause of death as a heart attack.
“For two decades, Terry was the face of Cushman & Wakefield to the world, managing strategic media relationships across America and internationally,” C&W President & CEO Bruce Mosler said in a memo to C&W staff today. “As the firm grew, he continued to serve as international liaison for Corporate Communications in New York. He contributed immensely to the firm’s reputation as a market and thought leader.”
Known for his distinct gravely voice, Spillane oversaw all aspects of Cushman & Wakefield’s communications in the press and had a reputation as a tough-yet-fair media boss. When I served as editor of National Real Estate Investor, I knew if I had a call from Terry that something big was about to happen. He knew the news business as well as many reporters and often gave speeches about media relations. His devotion to his company was apparently as he lobbied and sometimes battled to ensure key C&W executives were on important lists in the magazine.
Current NREI Editor Matt Valley said he spoke with Spillane around 4 p.m. Thursday, and Spillane worked hard to get a story he pitched in the magazine. Valley said learning of Spillane's passing "was a jolt to me."
Spillane joined Cushman & Wakefield in 1989 from MetLife, where he served as a publicist in its corporate communications department.
He was a huge fan of the New York Yankees and of the city itself. A graduate of Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., he was a member of the school’s alumni board.
“More important than any story idea was the integrity and trustworthiness Terry communicated every day,” Mosler said. “Though known affectionately as "Bulldog” for his persistence and professional success, those who had the chance to work with him loved him for his personal warmth, sense of fair play, and gentleness of spirit. These qualities, along with his depth of experience, will be dearly missed.”
Cushman & Wakefield will not be the same without Terry Spillane.
Wow, terribly sorry to see the news. I haven't spoken to Terry in years since he was involved with my old company, a communications benchmarking group based in DC, in the late 90's. Two terms used in the article sum up my experience with Terry: Trustworthiness and Thought Leader. My deepest condolences to Terry, his family and friends and the Cushman & Wakefield organization. I know that he will be missed.
Posted by: Rick Sauter | June 28, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Yes, Terry was indeed a thought leader. I've heard from several editors/publishers of commercial real estate trade publications, and each has said they will miss working with Terry, a man of integrity.
Posted by: Tony Wilbert | June 28, 2008 at 12:07 PM