Connect Media, a privately held integrated media company and leading provider of commercial real estate news, said Monday that Christopher Santarelli has joined the company as VP, Connect Creative – East. Based in Connect Media’s New York City office, Santarelli will lead client strategy and expansion for the growing roster of Eastern U.S.-based real estate services, capital markets and technology businesses engaging Connect Creative, the company’s strategic communications and creative agency.
Santarelli brings more than 15 years of experience shaping narratives on how public policy and the built environment influence the decisions businesses and individuals make with their feet. He joins Connect Creative from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), where he served as director of media relations for the leading professional association and advocacy organization representing New York City’s real estate owners, brokers, developers, and investment managers across property types.
The addition of Santarelli reflects Connect Media’s ongoing investment in New York City, where the company has continued to grow its brand, workforce and client footprint. Working closely with EVP Emily Lettieri, Santarelli will represent the company at key industry conferences, support ongoing recruitment of top talent and pursue new opportunities for collaboration with real estate industry leaders based in the market.
“Chris has built an impressive career helping real estate businesses and organizations navigate complex market dynamics while strengthening their reputation and brand recognition,” said Daniel Ceniceros, CEO of Connect Media. “His deep relationships in real estate, media, and policy circles in New York City and across the country will be a tremendous asset to our clients as they look to scale within multiple markets and influence important industry dialogue.”
During his tenure at REBNY, Santarelli promoted a wide range of data-driven analysis on the post-pandemic office sector and future of work, helping the market quantify the flight to quality and potential universe for office-to-residential conversions. Other media relations efforts advanced successful advocacy campaigns for supply-focused solutions to address New York City’s housing crisis, as well as to draw attention to growing financial pressures facing the multifamily industry.
“Connect Creative offers a unique platform that combines strategic communications expertise with audience development and editorial insights from a leading real estate industry news and conference provider,” Santarelli said. “I’m excited to work with brands seeking to leverage these tools to grow nationally, as well as a team of colleagues sharing decades of real estate-focused communications experience.”
Before REBNY, Santarelli served as a VP at Marino, where he advised corporate and real estate clients including Cushman & Wakefield, Knotel, McDonald’s, Wolters Kluwer, Basis Investment Group, and Alvarez & Marsal Property Investments. Earlier in his career, he led public relations initiatives for Savills across several U.S. markets and served as deputy director of communications for the New Jersey Treasury Department.
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