John Crombie, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, has been awarded the prestigious Trustees’ Distinguished Service Award by the ICSC. The honour is the highest level of volunteer recognition granted by the ICSC Board of Trustees and acknowledges individuals whose long-standing commitment has left a significant and lasting impact on the marketplaces industry. Crombie is the sole Canadian recipient of the award this year.
Crombie’s journey in retail real estate began somewhat unexpectedly in 1999, when he attended his first ICSC event in Whistler, British Columbia. At the time, he was branch manager at Royal LePage in Edmonton, Alberta, transitioning from over a decade in office sector brokerage and property management. That first conference, he noted, was a turning point.
“My boss thought I knew something about retail, and I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Crombie said. “But I could see the business opportunities were abundant. It’s something I look back on as a milestone in my life.”
From that moment, Crombie became increasingly involved in ICSC activities. He joined one committee, which led to another, and eventually became a fixture in the organization’s leadership. He has since served on multiple ICSC committees and has become a well-known speaker at industry events.
“I met some amazing people and found that retail was much more in-depth than other disciplines. ICSC allowed me to flourish. I started sharpening my skills and expertise and eventually became known as the go-to retail person.”
Pioneering Research and Industry Excellence
Crombie’s analytical acumen led him to join the ICSC Canadian Research Group and later, the North American Research Group. His passion for data and insights culminated in receiving the ICSC Gold Medallion Award in 2016, which recognizes excellence in retail real estate research.
Over the past decade, Crombie chaired or co-chaired the ICSC@Canada conference four times, contributing to the event’s prominence and value within the industry. He also served as a director on the Canada Marketplace Council and was actively involved in ICSC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, helping guide efforts to broaden representation and opportunity within the sector.
Empowering the Next Generation
While Crombie has taken on various leadership roles, one of his most impactful contributions has been through mentoring. He has consistently dedicated time at ICSC events to support students and early-career professionals. Whether guiding them through networking opportunities or offering career advice, his commitment to mentorship has been unwavering.
“Helping that next generation pursue a career in retail real estate remains a great pleasure,” Crombie noted. “It’s a way to give back, and I’m delighted I have those opportunities.”
His dedication extended to ICSC Foundation Canada, where he served on the board for six years, stepping down in 2023. During that tenure, he played a leading role in fundraising efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, chaired the Foundation’s nominating committee, and helped shape strategic goals.
ICSC Foundation president Lauri Novick remarked on Crombie’s broad contributions: “John was incredibly passionate about the mission of the Foundation and took it upon himself to volunteer for every opportunity we had, whether it was meeting with students and advising them on a potential career or how to land an internship or helping to plot the Foundation’s strategic goals. He was a leader but also a doer. He’d roll up his sleeves and get to work.”
Continuing to Shape Canada’s Retail Landscape
Today, Crombie leads Cushman & Wakefield’s Canadian retail services platform, with a focus on strengthening and expanding the firm’s presence in key markets. He is also managing a significant national assignment involving the disposition of surplus HSBC Bank Canada branches following the financial institution’s acquisition by RBC.
Crombie’s role in this major transition reflects his trusted expertise in navigating complex retail and property scenarios, underscoring his influence across both brokerage and corporate real estate strategy.
A Lifelong Commitment to Excellence
Outside his professional commitments, Crombie continues to pursue his lifelong passions. He is a skilled guitarist and plays in a band called the Warehouse Boys, which covers artists ranging from Bob Dylan and Neil Young to Blue Rodeo and ZZ Top. He also maintains a balance between work and family, alongside his wife Judith, and their two children, Andy and Anne.
“When you love something enough, you give everything to it,” Crombie said. “It’s easy to be dedicated and persevere when you really like what you are doing in both life and work. It’s what I did with guitar playing and skiing, and it’s what I did with ICSC.”
From scaling snowy slopes to climbing the ranks of Canada’s retail real estate elite, Crombie’s dedication over decades has reshaped the industry. The ICSC Trustees’ Distinguished Service Award is a fitting tribute to a career rooted in curiosity, service, and passion for the marketplace community.
