May 29, 2024
MILWAUKEE, May 29, 2024 – Cushman & Wakefield | Boerke’s Board of Directors has appointed Sean M. Robbins as chief executive officer effective June 24, 2024.
Succeeding Kevin Riordan, he will become the company’s third chief executive in its 103-year history. A 5th generation Wisconsinite, Robbins brings 20 years of leadership experience in both the private and public sectors across real estate, economic development and health care. His work has put him at the forefront of advancing the health of people, communities, and the economies that support them.
“After a twelve-month search, and thoughtful consideration of highly qualified candidates, the Board is proud to appoint Sean as our company’s next CEO,” said Jeff Hoffman, chairman of the selection committee. “His diverse experience building high-performing organizations combined with his roots in the Wisconsin economic development and real estate communities make him the clear choice to take our company to the next level.”
Kevin Riordan has served as The Boerke Company’s executive officer since 2016. “Kevin’s steadiness and thoughtful leadership have been foundational to our success. and we are deeply appreciative for his many contributions over the years,” said Terry McMahon, chairman of the Board. “We’re fortunate to now have such a transformational leader join our company to lead it into the future.”
Most recently, Robbins served in several leadership roles within the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, notably as president of a $350 million health care company serving customers in four western states and then as executive vice president of the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association—serving 34 operating companies that support 118 million Americans.
“I had the good fortune to grow up around James A. Graaskamp, one of the real estate industry’s most influential thinkers and a Wisconsin legend,” Robbins said. “He emphasized the influential role that our industry has in shaping the health of our cities and communities. It’s an honor to be a part of it again and do it alongside like-minded colleagues at The Boerke Company.”
“Our clients, partners, and employees will be in the best of hand with Sean Robbins,” said Mr. Riordan. “He can take this company to the next phase of its growth and potential and I am genuinely looking forward to it. He is the right leader at the right time for The Boerke Company.”
About Sean M. Robbins
- A Wisconsin native, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 2001 and his Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003.
- His experience has put him at the forefront of advancing the health of people, communities and the economies that support them. He is recognized for his ability to lead change and deliver results by setting a clear vision, inspiring action and building high-performing organizations. He has successfully done so across industries—including real estate, economic development and health care—with a passion for investing in people and the places we live.
- Prior to joining The Boerke Company, Robbins served in several leadership roles within the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, notably as president of a $350 million health care company serving customers in four western states and then as executive vice president of the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association—serving 34 operating companies that support 118 million Americans.
- Earlier in his career, Robbins led multiple community development organizations and worked for two governors. He served Oregon Governors John Kitzhaber and Kate Brown as the head of the Oregon Business Development Department. He also served as CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and EVP of the Madison Regional Economic Development Partnership (formerly, Thrive), both public-private economic development corporations supported by the region’s leading elected officials and business leaders.