'Never Been Stronger': David Lockwood On His Vision For SIOR As New CEO

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors has appointed David C. Lockwood III as CEO, ushering in a new era of leadership for the organization.

Lockwood has been a member of SIOR for 35-plus years, most recently holding the title of global president in 2024. His career also includes serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Colliers in South Carolina and president of South Carolina Realtors and Central Carolina Realtors Association, as well as commissioner on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission for eight years. 

He said his vision for SIOR is to continue to build on the foundation of excellence and integrity that SIOR has maintained over the past 85 years — but also to embrace change in today’s quickly evolving commercial real estate market. 

“SIOR has never been stronger, and the brand has never been better,” Lockwood said. “As we invest in more resources and opportunities for our members, my focus as CEO will be to move SIOR forward as an innovative and globally connected organization focusing on the deep personal relationships which exist among SIOR members.”   

Bisnow spoke to Lockwood to learn more about his vision for SIOR, how the industrial and office markets are faring in today’s economy, and where SIOR sees its biggest opportunities. 

Bisnow: How has your background influenced your vision for SIOR? 

Lockwood: I’ve been a part of SIOR since 1990, holding just about every single role in the organization you can imagine — including global president just two years ago. Prior to becoming CEO, I was with Colliers in South Carolina for 39 years, where I was executive vice president and chief operating officer. 

I have been a broker myself, managed brokers and worked alongside brokers. I’ve seen what’s worked for SIOR and what hasn’t. As CEO, I want to push our organization to new heights — but also want us to maintain the culture of who we are. 

We’re an organization built on excellence in leadership, expertise in CRE and commitment to integrity. We consistently set the bar for what it means to be a great broker in today’s market. Our reputation for being the best in our field guides us as we head into the future.  

Bisnow: What’s your outlook on the office and industrial markets, and where are you seeing the most momentum?

Lockwood: There is a new norm in the office sector with employees working hybrid schedules. The variance is how many days a week an employee works remotely. When in the office, employees expect a high degree of amenitized space for collaboration, productivity and fun. The space must draw employees back to the office over their preference to work hybrid. Older spaces that are not being significantly upgraded are suffering, transformed into alternative uses or demolished. We are definitely in an era of emerging styles of workspace development. 

Industrial assets across the nation performed exceptionally well over the past few years, but activity has since cooled down. Tariffs, geopolitical tension and general economic uncertainty in the industrial market. 

We’re now seeing companies move towards reshoring and formulate more concrete expansion strategies. Industrial assets have become more than just a box with four walls. The market expects flexible, well-designed spaces.  

Bisnow: How do you plan to strengthen SIOR’s culture as the organization continues to grow globally?

Lockwood: Over the past three years, we’ve seen our membership grow by nearly 20%. Almost 300 people joined our organization in 2025, with the average age just 42 years old — our youngest class ever. We’re now an organization of 4,100 across 52 countries and 800 cities.

SIOR encourages ambition beyond local markets, connecting global demand to local expertise. The global connectivity among our members is a response to the globalization of commercial real estate. Our clients demand that we have the resources to serve their needs globally. Through our close bonds within SIOR, we bring that local perspective to the table no matter where the need exists. 

For us to continue to be great and keep the CRE market on its toes, we have to encourage and support each other both professionally and personally. I’ve worked in this industry for decades, and the relationships I’ve made through SIOR and the passion our members have for their work are unlike any other organization in this industry worldwide. It is essential that we embrace new ideas, perspectives and opportunities for the growth of our organization.

Bisnow: What role do you think technology will play for SIOR members?

Lockwood: Advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is becoming embedded into our everyday workflows. It’s something that’s touching every aspect of our industry, from predictive analytics in property management to helping us make informed investment decisions. We are embracing technological advancement at SIOR, as it will help bring not only the organization itself but all of our members into the future.

There’s general uncertainty around AI, but it's now here to stay. It’s important to note, however, that we do not see a world in which AI replaces the broker. Brokers’ in-depth market expertise, decision-making ability and negotiation skills are crucial to the industry. AI is a tool that’s constantly changing and evolving, and we look forward to seeing how it supports our mission as an organization, as well as our members and their professional endeavors.

Bisnow: As CRE continues to evolve, where do you see the biggest opportunity for SIOR?

Lockwood: SIOR has never been defined by a single market or individual success. Its success lives in the power of our network carried forward by every member of our society. SIOR’s standard of excellence has been an integral part of our organization since its inception 85 years ago. As we invest in resources and opportunities for our members, my main mission as CEO will be to push SIOR even further as an innovative and universally connected organization.   

We’ve expanded so quickly over such a short period of time because we have fantastic leaders who dedicate so much of their time and expertise. The SIOR designation gives members the credibility to build partnerships, tap into market intelligence and serve clients wherever the opportunity arises. I’m optimistic about what’s ahead for our organization. 

This article was produced in collaboration between SIOR and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

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