LOS ANGELES (April 16, 2020) –Savills has expanded its national research team with the addition of Michael Soto. He joins the firm as research director, Southern California region. 

Soto, based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, will oversee the development and execution of Southern California’s research strategy. Specific responsibilities include supporting the region’s brokerage teams by providing timely market research, economic insight, comparative analytics, and other data designed to inform clients and strengthen thoughtful decision-making.   

“Michael brings deep experience and knowledge to this important role,” said Vice Chairman and Western Region Lead Mark Sullivan. “I’m confident he’ll make a significant, positive impact on the tools and intelligence we are able to deliver to our clients.” 

Soto comes to Savills from Transwestern where he served as the company’s Southern California research manager for the past seven years. In 2017, he was named as the firm’s National Researcher of the Year. Prior to that, he was a senior analyst for Colliers, with responsibility for both research and business development. 

A graduate of the University of Chicago, Soto received a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He is active in numerous real estate industry associations including CoreNet, Urban Land Institute, National Association for Business Economics, and Filipinos in Institutional Real Estate. Soto is a recognized source for market commentary and trends, and has been quoted by the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Business Journal, CoStar, NPR and New York Times, among other publications.  

“We are so excited to have Michael leading our Southern California research efforts and know that he’ll bring a fresh perspective to our platform,” said Sarah Dreyer, vice president and head of Americas research. “He’s an acclaimed professional in his field, and a welcome and a highly esteemed addition to our team.”

Soto joins a number of recent hires in Southern California who complement and enhance Savills tenant advisory capabilities. These include Shannon Woodcock, managing director, Workplace and Occupant Experience; Allan Brass, director, Cross-Border Tenant Advisory, Americas; and Courtney Guthridge, director, Workthere.