Carmel, Indiana-based financial services provider Merchants Capital today has expanded its executive leadership team with the promotion of Chris Messmann to executive vice president. He oversees the tax credit equity division’s asset management, fund and risk management teams, including pre-closing financial projections and post-closing investor reporting.

Mesirow, a Chicago-based financial services firm, has promoted Ketan Shah to Chief Strategy Officer. In this newly created role, Shah will partner closely with Mesirow’s CEO, Board of Directors and leadership team to develop and implement the firm’s strategic growth plans. In addition to serving as Chief Strategy Officer, Shah will continue with his existing responsibilities as the firm’s General Counsel and will continue to report to Natalie Brown, Mesirow’s CEO.

Ajay Kalra has joined CBRE as Managing Director and Market Leader for its Iowa business. Kalra will oversee business operations and drive market growth strategy for all Advisory Service lines of business, including leasing, sales, debt and structured finance, valuation and property management. He will lead CBRE’s office in Des Moines.

Trilogy Real Estate Group, a Chicago-based real estate investment and property management firm, announced that Erica Blue has joined the company as product specialist and assistant territory manager. Blue will be responsible for supporting sales efforts of Trilogy’s platform of investment offerings in the western U.S. region with Senior Regional Vice President Travis Hamlin.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty announced the affiliation of Brian Blackmore, a seasoned veteran in the commercial real estate industry. Blackmore brings over 30 years of expertise to Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty, with a specialization in land sales and land development consulting. He will drive the growth of The Blackmore Group alongside his partner, Sandra True, focusing on both residential and commercial real estate in the Chicagoland market.

Lee & Associates negotiated a new 2,262-square-foot retail lease at 632 Amersale Drive, Suite 124-128, Naperville, Illinois. The tenant, iCode, was represented by Chad Littleton of Morrow Hill. The landlord, Jones Family Naperville, LLC, was represented by Lee & Associates’ Michael Petrik and Rick Scardino.

Aequum Capital recently led a $45 million revolving credit facility for a Midwest-based manufacturing and distribution company. The Facility will provide increased liquidity to the Company as it continues to execute its acquisition strategy. Helios Strategic Advisors, LLC advised on the transaction.