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New York, NY – September 15, 2026 – BKREA, a leading Manhattan-focused investment sales brokerage, announced today the appointment of Candice Gradenigo as Chief of Staff, effective immediately. In this pivotal role, Gradenigo will collaborate closely with Chairman & CEO Bob Knakal on various initiatives encompassing strategy, business operations, organizational development, and the sustained growth of the firm. She will prioritize enhancing the infrastructure and operational capabilities necessary to expand BKREA’s platform.
Gradenigo arrives at BKREA with over ten years of proven leadership experience at United Technologies, specifically at Pratt & Whitney, which is now part of RTX. Throughout her tenure, she successfully oversaw complex negotiations and strategic projects, yielding a financial impact exceeding $400 million. Gradenigo played a critical role in negotiating multiyear partnership agreements valued at up to $500 million and directed a global supply chain operation with a budget of $300 million.
In addition to her corporate background, Gradenigo is also an entrepreneur. She founded Picks & Deals, growing the digital commerce business to produce over $2 million in annual affiliate sales through diverse digital channels and by developing audience engagement, brand partnerships, and revenue strategies.
"We’re thrilled that Candice agreed to join BKREA," stated Bob Knakal. "She brings a unique combination of experience operating at significant scale and an entrepreneurial mindset. She’s a great fit for where we’re taking the company."
As Chief of Staff, Gradenigo will be responsible for coordinating and advancing key firm-wide initiatives, fostering partnerships with BKREA’s leadership team. Her role will facilitate communication and ensure alignment across the growing organization, translating the firm’s strategic priorities into actionable results.
Gradenigo, who was born and raised in Paris and is now based in New York City, offers a global perspective and is fluent in French, English, German, and Spanish. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Maîtrise de Sciences de Gestion from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
BKREA's strategic appointment of Gradenigo underscores its commitment to fortifying its brokerage platform by investing in key systems, talent, and operational capabilities to support the firm's ambitious growth trajectory.
About the company: BKREA is a Manhattan-focused investment sales real estate brokerage led by Chairman and CEO Bob Knakal, one of New York City’s most accomplished commercial real estate brokers. The firm combines deep market knowledge, transaction experience, proprietary research, and modern technology to serve owners, investors, and developers across New York City’s commercial market.
Contact Info:
Name: Bob Knakal
Email: Send Email
Organization: BKREA
Address: 135 West 36th Street NY NY 10018
Phone: 212-888-8850
Website: https://bkrea.com
Release ID: 89203387
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