Avison Young has hired a real estate head from one of the Big 4 service firms as an independent adviser to help the firm with its global expansion.

Howard Roth, the former global head of real estate for EY, will report to Avison Young CEO Mark Rose, and advise the Toronto-based management team on its growth plan. Roth will also provide counsel on strategic acquisitions and capital transactions, and is based in New York.

"The creation of Howard's new independent advisor role and the three earlier Board additions demonstrate that Avison Young is committed to assigning prominent leaders throughout our organization and strengthening our commitment to outstanding client service and corporate governance," Rose said in a statement.

Roth was EY’s head of real estate, hospitality and construction practice. He was at the company for 32 years, and also led the firm’s New York real estate industry and tax practices.

Avison Young has been beefing up its presence in the city. Earlier this year, it hired James Nelson away from Cushman & Wakefield to head up its Tri-State investment sales division. Earlier this month, it hired Joe Harbert from Colliers International to become a principal of the brokerage and the director of operations.

"I am excited to work with Mark Rose and the Avison Young organization," Roth said in a statement. “Avison Young's growth during Mark's 10-year tenure as CEO has been nothing short of extraordinary … I believe there are several areas where I can add significant value to the company's continued accelerated growth trajectory.”