TORONTO, Sept 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CIGI) (TSX:CIG) (“Colliers”) today announced the appointment of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C. to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
 
Mr. Harper recently retired as a Member of Parliament following an esteemed career in elected politics. From 2006 to 2015, Mr. Harper served as Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, during which time he was responsible for a variety of achievements, including entering into numerous international free trade agreements and the successful shepherding of the Canadian economy through the 2008 global financial crisis. Mr. Harper was the first Prime Minister to lead the modern Conservative Party of Canada since its formation, and was the longest serving Conservative Prime Minister since Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister.
 
“We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Harper join our Board,” said Jay S. Hennick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colliers. “Mr. Harper brings a wealth of experience along with the unparalleled knowledge of a former G7 leader, and insights that further differentiate our platform as we expand our business around the world. In particular, Mr. Harper’s extensive network during his time in government and demonstrated ability to deal with complex matters will enable Colliers and its clients to gain a unique international perspective. We are proud that Mr. Harper has agreed to join our team and excited about the contribution he will make in accelerating our success.”
 
Mr. Harper holds a bachelor and master’s degree in economics from the University of Calgary. In recognition of his government service, Mr. Harper has been awarded the Ukrainian Order of Liberty, the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, the B’nai B’rith International Presidential Gold Medallion for Humanitarianism and was named as the World Statesman of the Year in 2012 by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.
 
“Colliers is a great Canadian success story with a highly recognized brand known around the world, a reputation for service excellence, and a highly engaged management team with a significant ownership stake in the company, all important factors in my decision to join the Board,” said Mr. Harper. “I am looking forward to working with Colliers to further its growth in global markets, capitalize on its leadership position in the commercial real estate services sector, and continue its proven track record of building value for shareholders.”
 
About Colliers International
 
Colliers International Group Inc. (NASDAQ:CIGI) (TSX:CIG) is an industry leading global real estate services company with more than 16,000 skilled professionals operating in 66 countries. With an enterprising culture and significant employee ownership, Colliers professionals provide a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors worldwide. Services include strategic advice and execution for property sales, leasing and finance; global corporate solutions; property, facility and project management; workplace solutions; appraisal, valuation and tax consulting; customized research; and thought leadership consulting.
 
Colliers professionals think differently, share great ideas and offer thoughtful and innovative advice that help clients accelerate their success. Colliers has been ranked among the top 100 outsourcing firms by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’ Global Outsourcing for 11 consecutive years, more than any other real estate services firm.
 
For the latest news from Colliers International, visit Colliers.com or follow us on Twitter (@Colliers) and LinkedIn.

COMPANY CONTACTS:
 
Jay S. Hennick
Chairman and CEO
 
John B. Friedrichsen
CFO
 
(416) 960-9500
 
Source : Colliers International Group Inc.

--BERNAMA