Michael H. McNaughton Launches M2 Real Estate Advisors, LLC

Michael H. McNaughton announced the launch of M2 Real Estate Advisors, LLC, a Ridgewood-based real estate consulting firm providing counsel and execution support to developers and investors focused on the regional mall, shopping center, urban retail, commercial, mixed-use and transit/infrastructure areas of real estate development, as well as operations and leasing in both the private and public/private sectors. A veteran of the commercial real estate industry, Mr. McNaughton has led development and managed top assets and portfolios for Westfield Corporation and General Growth Properties (GGP) among other senior private and public sector roles.

“From 25 years in the business, I understand the distinct challenges management teams face in the fast-changing retail real estate industry and the setbacks they can cause, without vigilant and experienced management. They range from creating flexible spaces that reflect emerging consumer preferences and new technologies to interacting with public agencies, community organizations and others who play a pivotal role in the development process,” said Mr. McNaughton. “With my team at M2 Real Estate Advisors, I look forward to bringing to bear the experience and expertise I have gained to advise clients in how to strategically acquire, manage, reposition and enhance their portfolios, to execute with maximum effectiveness, and to drive investment value.”

Deep Experience in Leading Roles at World-Class Real Estate Companies

Prior to launching M2, McNaughton served as SVP of US Development for Westfield. Recruited to deliver the World Trade Center and the Fulton Transit Center in Lower Manhattan, he oversaw Westfield’s development activity from Chicago eastward with a focus on driving expansion, the incorporation of mixed-use elements into Westfield’s portfolio, and identifying new high-density, urban opportunities and master plan projects.  He also served as the lead political liaison for community engagement and incentives.

Before Westfield, McNaughton was an SVP overseeing Management Operations at WS Development, a Boston based 86-asset (21+ million square foot) privately held firm.

From 2000 – 2012, McNaughton held roles of increasing leadership at GGP, where he was most recently the founder and Chief Operating Officer for Rouse Properties.  McNaughton guided the selection process of assets for Rouse and all facets of formation and structure including its $2.6 billion IPO.

Prior to joining GGP, McNaughton was a founding member and Partner of Coro Realty Advisors, LLC, a privately held overseas capital investment advisory and development firm.

Active Industry Involvement and Thought Leadership

McNaughton served as a charter member of the NAIOP Mixed Use Development forum for the Southeast and has been a lecturer at the MIT Center for Real Estate, American University Kogod School of Business, panelist at the University of Wisconsin Graaskamp Center Annual Forum and numerous other industry and economic development presentations focused on the future of retail and the state of the shopping mall industry.

An Urban Land Institute (ULI) member and contributor, McNaughton currently serves as a Board Member for the Entertainment Development committee and was a contributing author of “Rethinking the Mall”, a ULI publication.

McNaughton currently serves as a Board Member of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. He holds the RPA, SCLS, CRX and CCIM designations, and lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children.