Retail real estate vet forms advisory company

White Plains, N.Y. After more than 15 years as an in-house real estate executive for several of the world's largest fashion and retail conglomerates, Josh Podell has announced the launch of Podell Real Estate Advisors.

The company will focus on site selection, strategy development and portfolio management for retailers nationwide.

Podell was most recently VP of real estate at New York City-based Jones Apparel Group's JAG footwear, accessories and retail division, where he helped manage and grow the company's 1,000-store portfolio which includes Nine West, Anne Klein, Jones New York, Easy Spirit, Kasper and other brands. 

Prior to joining Jones Apparel Group, Podell was senior VP of real estate and construction at G+G Retail, which operated more than 600 teen and children's apparel stores under the tradenames Rave and Rave Girl. Podell was also director of real estate at Warnaco's Speedo Authentic Fitness stores where he grew the Speedo brand to over 100 company stores nationwide.

Under his new firm, Podell said he has signed the Jones Apparel Group, Traffic Shoes, and Juliska accounts.