California People and Company News, Week of April 10, 2026

• Latham & Watkins LLP announced that Kaila Sergent has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner in the Real Estate Practice and member of the firm’s interdisciplinary Data Center Team. Sergent is recognized for her deep experience on data center transactions, ranging from the leasing and development of data center campuses to the purchase and sale of data centers, complementing her general focus on high value commercial real estate deals. 

• The Kleinfelder Group, Inc., a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm, announced Nicholas Mitrakis has joined as EVP and CFO. The appointment follows the recent naming of prominent industry leader Ann Massey as president. Mitrakis will oversee all financial activities across the organization while providing integral leadership for corporate services, risk mitigation, and real estate departments. 

• Progressive Real Estate Partners, a leading Inland Empire retail brokerage firm, has promoted Roxanne Klein from VP to SVP and Lance Mordachini from senior associate to VP. Klein specializes in the leasing and sale of retail properties in Southern California’s Western Inland Empire, Eastern San Gabriel Valley and Northern Orange County.  Klein is the immediate past president of ACRE So Cal (Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives of Southern California) and the Best Practice Chair for RIAOC (Realty Investment Association of California). Mordachini represents owners in the sale and acquisition of retail properties throughout the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley markets.  He is currently pursuing the CCIM designation. 

• Russell Cooper has been hired as a partner at TMG Partners. He will initially focus on acquisitions and development in the Bay Area, executing on skills honed over more than 20 years of experience in real estate. Most recently, Cooper was with Spear Street Capital, leveraging extensive relationships with brokers, lenders, and market participants across the Western U.S.. Before that, Russ held roles with Shorenstein, Eastdil and Hines. 

• James Watson has been named SVP, Trade Entities for Graham’s Buildings US division. He is deeply involved in advancing the construction industry through longstanding service with professional associations and board leadership and is a recognized industry leader with more than 40 years of experience specializing in interior and self-perform services. 

• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties announced that Jennifer Carey has joined the brokerage as the new manager of its Irvine office. An Irvine native, Carey brings 25 years of comprehensive real estate experience, spanning luxury, residential, and commercial real estate, as well as experience in the mortgage industry and vacation rental management. 

On May 28, Connect Los Angeles brings together 600+ high-level owners, investors, developers, brokers, and lenders shaping the region’s market for a full day of insights and networking. Be in the room with decision-makers driving deals across LA, SoCal and the nation—register now: www.connectLA26.com