Landmark Transaction Experience + National Recognition

While George Donohue’s current work includes hotel real estate advisory, his broader transaction background spans some of the largest and most complex commercial real estate matters in the country.

During his tenure as Head of Leasing for the original World Trade Center, George executed the most deals and the largest deals in two consecutive years. In less than two years, he oversaw the completion of transactions totaling more than 2,000,000 square feet, working with major U.S. companies as well as organizations spanning over 50 countries.

In addition to hotels, George’s transaction expertise continues to be proven in modern landmark leasing work. In 2024, he completed one of the largest leasing deals in America at 110 William Street, exceeding 640,000 rentable square feet. In 2025, he completed what has been described as the largest commercial real estate lease in the United States, totaling over 830,000 rentable square feet at 59 Maiden Lane in Manhattan.

His reputation for handling complex, high-pressure matters has also resulted in direct engagement by government entities. In one notable example, the government requested that George manage transactions related to 70 day cares, underscoring the level of trust placed in his negotiation leadership and ability to execute large-scale work.

George’s transaction expertise continues to be proven in modern landmark leasing work. In 2024, he completed one of the largest leasing deals in America at 110 William Street, exceeding 640,000 rentable square feet. In 2025, he completed what has been described as the largest commercial real estate lease in the United States, totaling over 830,000 rentable square feet at 59 Maiden Lane in Manhattan.

His reputation for handling complex, high-pressure matters has also resulted in direct engagement by government entities — including cases where the government requested that George manage transactions related to 70 day cares, underscoring the level of trust placed in his negotiation leadership and ability to execute large-scale work.

Executive-Level Advisory + Dispute Resolution

Aside from hotels and commercial real estate transactions, George is frequently sought by executives and institutions for representation in matters that extend beyond typical real estate consulting. Professional executives have retained George in connection with civil matters requiring Supreme Court representation, where George has consistently achieved successful outcomes and built a reputation for reliability, preparedness, and strategic advantage.

Organizations hire George because of his proven capability in navigating difficult conditions, including complex transactions, sensitive negotiations, time-constrained deadlines, and high-dollar outcomes. He is known for being calm under pressure, direct in his analysis, and relentlessly focused on delivering the most advantageous result possible for the client.

Global Negotiation Background

Beyond hotel real estate, George’s negotiation experience is international in scope. Having served as head of real estate for the World Trade Center, he negotiated with senior foreign executives and completed some of the largest foreign-related real estate transactions in America.

His negotiation track record includes work involving leadership and stakeholders connected to major entities and governments, including the Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French, and United States governments. He has also worked with global financial institutions and Fortune-level organizations such as Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, HSBC, Bank of Tokyo, Charles Schwab, and many others.

Business Leadership + Economic Development

In addition to his hotel, leasing, and advisory work, George was the first Director of Economic Development for Staten Island, New York. This role reflects his ability to operate not only as a negotiator, but as a leader supporting development strategy, economic growth, and institutional outcomes.

Today, George serves as President of International Properties Group in New York and leads Donohue Specialty Consulting, supporting clients nationally and internationally.

Education + Teaching Credentials

George’s professional background includes formal education in construction, architecture, and finance, including an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development and Finance from New York University.

Along with his real estate advisory and transaction work, George has also been trusted by universities and corporations to teach, lecture, and advise on topics related to negotiation and ethical leadership. He has taught and lectured at institutions including Fordham University, Harvard University, MIT, New York State University, City University of New York, Touro, and other schools and organizations.

At Fordham University’s Master’s Degree program, he was voted the #1 Adjunct Professor, a reflection of both credibility and leadership in negotiation education.

Current Work

George Donohue provides advisory and consulting services for hotel owners, investors, and executives seeking experienced leadership in: