Tempe, Arizona, United States, July 2026 — CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) has promoted Kim Thelen to Managing Director | Global Strategy & Operations, recognizing her exceptional leadership in global operations, workplace transformation, and strategic execution across some of the world’s largest enterprise client accounts.
In her new role, Kim leads Global Strategy and Operations for one of CBRE’s premier multinational aerospace and defense clients, overseeing integrated operations and enterprise strategy across multiple continents. Serving as the de facto Global Chief Operating Officer for the account, she is responsible for translating executive priorities into operational execution while driving continuous improvement, governance, accountability, and alignment with strategic objectives and contractual commitments. Her leadership spans global account operations, technology, data and analytics, commercial contracts and governance, procurement, health, safety and environment (HSE), centers of excellence, transformation, and workplace experience.
Prior to this promotion, Kim served as Global Head of Strategy & Operations | Global Senior Management Director for the same global aerospace and defense account, where she led enterprise strategy, operational excellence, and cross-functional transformation initiatives supporting global client operations.
Earlier, she was Managing (Alliance) Director for a major global automotive client, leading integrated corporate real estate services across facilities management, engineering, project delivery, procurement, workplace experience, technology, data governance, and environmental health and safety while driving strategic client partnerships and business growth.
Her progression within CBRE also includes leadership roles as Senior Global Director – IFM Project Delivery, Director – Global Account Operations, Director – Global IFM Operations, and Senior Global IFM Operations Manager, where she led global workplace operations for major multinational clients, including Microsoft. During this period, she oversaw global facilities operations covering more than 35 million square feet across 110 countries, pioneered Microsoft’s first Global Facilities Service Center, led digital transformation initiatives, managed global operations teams, and earned multiple industry recognition awards for innovation and operational excellence.
Before joining CBRE, Kim spent nearly eight years with Johnson Controls, where she held senior leadership positions in strategy, change management, and operations. She led North American service strategy, managed a US$350 million P&L, directed major acquisition integrations, and drove large-scale operational transformation initiatives across the business.
Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Johnson Controls, building expertise in operations management, process excellence, compliance, analytics, Six Sigma, and enterprise transformation.
About CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS)
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions is the integrated facilities management and workplace services division of CBRE, partnering with organizations worldwide to deliver strategic real estate, facilities management, workplace experience, project management, and operational excellence solutions. By combining technology, data-driven insights, and global expertise, CBRE GWS helps clients optimize workplaces, improve operational performance, and achieve long-term business outcomes.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
