John Walsh

A highly accomplished Facilities Management Executive with extensive experience in day-to-day maintenance, operations, project management, construction, office refurbishment and relocations, space expansions and reductions, and long-term strategic planning. 

ASPEN INSURANCE New York, New York

Assistant Vice President - Corporate Real Estate Services 2020-2022

Managed team with responsibilities including real estate portfolio management, design and construction, facilities management, and physical security across the United States, primarily focused on NYC/Tri-State headquarters while supporting ongoing physical real-estate redevelopment plan globally. Reported directly to global head of CRES, working with Human Resources and IT management on large scale projects. Coordinated Facilities services across 14 sites in the Unites States, plus Bermuda and Puerto Rico. Sourced and reviewed third-party contracts for services and amenities for quality, cost, and effectiveness. Played a key role in developing and supporting the “Office of the Future” design, construction, and moves into new or renovated workspace. Worked collaboratively firm Leadership, Human Resources, Marketing, and Communications team leads on the Return to Work program, elevating awareness and participation, and features of the new branding, culture, and physical workspace. Developed global security system for physical access, for all entry points with video surveillance. Coordinated ongoing support and maintenance of existing space.

Developed and coordinated the firm’s COVID response and Return to Work programs. Worked directly with HR/IT/Communications leaders, Liaise with Landlords, property management offices, local teams, and external contractors to address physical requirements and local/state/federal compliance for safe return to work of over 500 employees.

Reduced Manhattan rentable square feet (RSF) by 75,000 and annual rent charges by $6M annually (subleased).

Developed New York City space in One World Trade Center, adding only 3,500 RSF.

Relocated operations in Hartford, Connecticut office from 39,000 RSF to 16,000, and kept same seating capacity.

Developed new office space for Connecticut teams in Stamford, adding only 6,000 RSF.

Relocated New York/New Jersey teams to Jersey City, adding only 25,000 RSF.

Closed offices in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Chicago, Maryland, and Pennsylvania (another $750,000 reduction annually).

Managed and supervised real estate and facilities services staff (mix of permanent staff and vendor providers in fields of property management, construction administration, and facility management), and allocated appropriate resources to deliver real estate solutions that promoted new brand, environmental collaboration and effects of new office on productivity.

Oversaw budgeted financial performance and reporting, operational and capital budgets, special projects and construction, and tracking and schedule management for all aspects of projects and daily operations together with finance function and HR function for headcount level changes. 

Managed new and existing real estate strategies for the changing workforce demands and development of new metrics to support executive decision making related to occupancy and planning.

Identified opportunities to create standards and standard operating procedures across multiple sites that optimized operations, reduced costs, and allowed for consistent delivery experience.

GELLER & COMPANY New York, New York

Facilities Director 2004-2020

Oversaw coordination of operations for Geller, ensuring safe, productive, and user-friendly environments for 600 employees and external client teams. Developed all department policies and procedures. Oversaw property management, asset management, physical security, cleaning, mailroom, cafe, reception, and engineering t eams. Coordinated cost-effective preventative maintenance programs for portfolio management, HVAC, fire suppression, electrical systems, plumbing, repairs, card access, and CCTV systems. Liaised between the landlord's office and multiple sites and subtenants. Organized follow-through project to decommission of old offices.

Led Geller’s $11M physical relocation to new building in New York City, demonstrating ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks around the relocation of 600 employees, our subtenants, and all related furniture, files, and equipment. 

Oversaw interior design, operations, and staff for real estate, catering, cafe, and conference rooms, accommodating over 2,500 meetings and 500 VIP sessions annually. Plus annual staff/team restacks as required.

Managed development of Geller’s ergonomics program to create and promote office environment innovations. 

Negotiated and managed all third-party vendors and resourcing contracts for Geller ($1.3m annual).

Developed all Facilities and Rent operating and capital budgets including YTD, monthly tracking and year-over-year performance. Regular submittals for seasonal audit.

Served as Fire and Life Safety leader responsible for all FDNY code compliance, execution of semi-annual fire drills and evacuations, tenant assistance listings, and fire warden assignments. 

Coordinator for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans, and coordinated all team tabletop exercises, research, event communications, and executive reporting. 

Directed Geller’s physical security functions, overseeing 12 guards on premises 24/7/365, off-hour inspections. 

Coordinated with Human Resources and IT for internal investigations, including access management for all employee hires, transfers, and terminations. 

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

DELOITTE, New York, New York, Facilities Manager, 1995-2004. Led day-to-day operations and appearance for 660,000-square foot New York office with over 2,500 employees. Led Deloitte’s recovery and restoration efforts after 9/11 attacks, exercising time management skills and interpersonal skills in overseeing fast paced $53M effort to resume occupancy approximately one year later. Managed eight direct reports in two locations, overseeing strategic plans for employee safety and business functioning through time of major change and disruption. Oversaw architectural and space planning with administration and architecture teams for Northeast facilities, accountable for 1.2M square feet of office space used by 4,000 employees.

PRICEWATERHOUSE, New York, New York, Assistant Facilities Manager, 1992-1995. Managed team of five maintenance engineers and two porters to uphold quality standards for daily operations. Oversaw carpentry shop and cafe operations and regulation. Served as key member of team coordinating firm’s move to 1177 Sixth Avenue.

FIRST AMERICA BANK, New York, New York, Facilities Engineer, 1989-1992. Oversaw appearances and operations for corporate offices and three branches in midtown Manhattan for retail and business banking institution, upholding brand integrity for major financial services firm.

College, no formal degree