Hugh Williams and Matt Knafel join MK Asset

MK Asset, a boutique, Chicago-based commercial real estate firm, has appointed Hugh Williams, managing broker and principal, to lead the firm’s newly launched brokerage services division. Along with that appointment, Matthew Knafel, senior associate, has been added to support Williams in the expansion of this service line.

Williams brings more than 20 years of experience to his position at MK Asset Brokerage. Throughout his career, he has led industrial teams in managing transactions locally, regionally and across North America for clients including McLane Global Logistics, Tricor Pacific, BFG Supply Company, Illinois Tool Works, Dow Chemicals, Gemaire and PON North America among others.

Most recently Williams was co-founder and principal of Avison Young’s Chicago office, the company’s first expansion outside of Canada and its inaugural U.S. location. Previously he was a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield.

Williams is the recipient of numerous professional awards, including Chicago Industrial Broker of the Year, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Suburban Office Transaction of the Year, and CoStar Power Broker. He is a member of the Board of Directors for NAIOP’s Chicago Chapter as well as Congo Square Theater. Williams is a former member of the Big 10 Advisory Commission and the Advisory Board of Project Reap. He is currently a member of the Economic Club of Chicago.

Knafel joins MK Asset Brokerage as a senior associate. A former broker with Avison Young, Knafel is a two-time finalist nominee for the Association of Industrial Real Estate Broker’s prestigious Frank Mahoney Award.