Tishman Speyer has launched a commercial real estate debt platform and hired Amit Rustgi as managing director, credit strategies, a newly created role. Based in New York City, Rustgi will lead originations, focusing on CRE loans tied to institutional quality residential, industrial, life science, office and other mixed-use projects and portfolios nationwide.

Tishman Speyer has created the new debt platform in keeping with its decade-long diversification strategy. The firm will target highly qualified sponsors operating in industry sectors and locations where Tishman Speyer has already developed deep knowledge, insight and expertise.

“The current commercial real estate environment provides an excellent opportunity to earn attractive risk-adjusted returns,” said Tishman Speyer CEO Rob Speyer. “This is the right moment for non-traditional lenders with regional and operational expertise to execute on market driven debt strategies.”

Bringing nearly 15 years of experience in investments, portfolio management and debt service, Rustgi comes to Tishman Speyer from PIMCO, where he was a VP and portfolio manager focused on investments.