SIOR Taps Veteran Insider David Lockwood for Chief Executive Officer Role

WASHINGTON – February 17, 2026 – The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR), a premier global organization for commercial real estate professionals, has named one of its own to its highest executive post. David C. Lockwood III, SIOR, a member since 1990 and its recent 2024 Global President, will become the organization's new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 30, 2026.

The appointment concludes a comprehensive national search and signals a strategic decision to entrust the organization's future to a leader with unparalleled institutional knowledge and a career deeply intertwined with SIOR's mission.

An Insider's Ascent to Leadership

Lockwood's transition to CEO is being hailed as a natural progression for a professional who has dedicated more than three decades to the organization. Having just completed his term as Global President, he brings a current and intimate understanding of SIOR's global membership, strategic initiatives, and operational framework.

This unique 'insider' perspective was a key factor in his selection. "David is a proven leader who understands SIOR from the inside out," said SIOR Global President Saadia Sheikh, SIOR. "As a longtime member and a recent global president, he brings unmatched institutional knowledge, credibility, and a deep commitment to our profession. We are confident he is the right leader to guide SIOR forward and to support our team and our members around the world."

During his 2023-2024 presidency, Lockwood's agenda focused on expanding SIOR's visibility and impact, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for its more than 4,100 members. His leadership year addressed critical industry topics, from the drivers of industrial real estate growth to the integration of AI in boosting productivity. This experience provides him with a running start in addressing the organization’s long-term strategic goals from the CEO chair.

The search committee emphasized the importance of finding a leader with both executive prowess and a genuine connection to the organization's ethos. "Our committee was focused on identifying a leader who brings proven executive strength and a deep, authentic connection to SIOR," noted Mike Ohmes, SIOR's Immediate Past President and co-chair of the CEO Search Committee. "David's decades of service to SIOR and the broader commercial real estate community, combined with his strategic mindset and integrity, make him exceptionally well suited to lead the organization into its next chapter."

A Career Forged in Commercial Real Estate

Beyond his extensive volunteer leadership, Lockwood's professional career provides a robust foundation for his new role. For decades, he has been a central figure at Colliers | South Carolina, where he rose from an office brokerage associate in 1986 to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, he was instrumental in building one of the region's most successful commercial real estate firms, with direct oversight of brokerage management, IT, research, and marketing across four statewide offices.

His expertise isn't confined to corporate management. Lockwood's career is marked by a profound commitment to elevating the entire real estate profession. He has served as president of both the South Carolina REALTORS® and the Central Carolina REALTORS® Association and spent a decade on the Executive Committee of the National Association of REALTORS®. Furthermore, his eight-year tenure as a Commissioner on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission underscores a deep-seated dedication to governance, ethics, and industry standards.

This blend of hands-on brokerage success, executive leadership, and industry advocacy provides Lockwood with a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities facing SIOR's diverse membership.

Navigating a Shifting CRE Landscape

Lockwood takes the helm at a pivotal moment for the global commercial real estate industry. The market in 2026 is one of cautious optimism and significant transition. While stabilization is predicted after a period of high interest rates and economic uncertainty, challenges remain. The office sector continues to grapple with high vacancy rates and the lasting impacts of hybrid work models, forcing a reimagination of space. Simultaneously, nearly $1.8 trillion in commercial real estate loans are scheduled to mature through 2026, creating a complex refinancing landscape.

However, significant opportunities are also emerging. The industrial sector remains robust, fueled by e-commerce and the reshoring of manufacturing. Demand for data centers, driven by the explosive growth of AI and cloud computing, is creating a new and powerful asset class. Lockwood, during his presidency, specifically highlighted these dynamics, noting the critical need for infrastructure like power availability to support industrial growth.

His appointment places a leader with direct experience in brokerage, development, and market strategy in a position to guide SIOR members through this complex environment. His focus will likely be on equipping members with the insights, technology, and network needed to navigate market volatility and capitalize on high-growth sectors.

Upholding a Legacy of Excellence

At its core, SIOR is an organization defined by its commitment to professional standards. The SIOR designation is a globally recognized symbol of the highest level of knowledge, production, and ethics in the industry. Lockwood's entire career has been a testament to these values.

In his own words, Lockwood's connection to the organization is profound. "SIOR has played a defining role in my professional life for more than three decades," he stated. "It is an honor to join the organization in this capacity and to work alongside the headquarters team, volunteer leaders, and worldwide members to strengthen SIOR's value and ensure the organization continues to set the standard for excellence in commercial real estate."

As CEO, Lockwood is expected to champion the initiatives he has long advocated for: robust professional development, unwavering ethical accountability, and strategic adaptation to market changes. His leadership represents not just a change in title, but a doubling down on the core principles that have made SIOR a respected global leader. With a leader who embodies the organization's highest ideals, SIOR is poised to reinforce its status as the global standard-bearer for excellence in commercial real estate.