Colliers Names Niccolò Suardi Head of Rome Office, Retail Italy as Regional Investment Grows
Colliers announced Oct. 19 that Niccolò Suardi will lead its Rome office, taking responsibility for Advisory & Transactions across Central and Southern Italy while continuing as Head of Retail Italy and Co-Head of the Retail Practice Group for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Suardi reports to CEO Valeria Falcone. The firm said the appointment supports the continued growth of its integrated platform across a region that is playing an increasingly important role in the Italian real estate market.
Niccolò Suardi's Expanded Remit at Colliers
In addition to leading the Rome office, Suardi retains his positions as Head of Retail Italy and Co-Head of the EMEA Retail Practice Group. His responsibilities for Advisory & Transactions span Central and Southern Italy.
According to Colliers, Suardi will lead the continued strengthening of its integrated platform in the region. That includes expanding its living capabilities following the firm's acquisition of Progedil. By combining advisory, transaction, technical and valuation expertise, Colliers said it will provide clients with a fully integrated offering.
"Our ambition is to further strengthen an integrated platform that brings together complementary expertise and a deep understanding of local markets, enabling us to support our clients across the entire real estate lifecycle," Suardi said.
Falcone said: "Rome and Central and Southern Italy represent a strategic area for our future growth. Niccolò's market expertise, leadership and client-centric approach make him the ideal person to drive this next phase of development."
Retail Investment in Italy Rises 31%
The appointment comes as Italian retail investment has increased. In the first nine months of 2026, retail investment in Italy reached approximately €3 billion, up 31% year over year, Colliers said. Central and Southern Italy accounted for 24% of total retail investment volumes and 34% of the out-of-town segment.
The firm said the region's growing presence in major portfolio and single-asset transactions reflects increasing investor interest and liquidity across a range of retail formats. The 34% share in out-of-town retail indicates that formats such as retail parks and shopping centers carry particular weight in the region's investment activity.
Rome continues to benefit from resilient, tourism-driven demand in prime retail locations, although leasing remains selective and Milan remains Italy's most dynamic retail market. Investors have been broadening their focus beyond Milan.
Rome's Living Market and the Progedil Acquisition
Colliers identified Rome's residential market as an area of opportunity. The firm cited solid demand, resilient values and a limited supply of modern housing as conditions supporting further development, conversion and urban regeneration, as demographic change continues to reshape residential needs.
The expansion of Colliers' living capabilities follows its acquisition of Progedil. Together with retail and capital-markets expertise, the living offering is intended to position the firm for larger and more complex mandates.
Market and Corporate Context
Colliers' 2026 market outlook describes the year as one of consolidation in Italy, with stabilizing pricing, improving liquidity and the early return of core capital. The outlook identifies Rome as a city to watch and Naples as another area of focus. It cites potentially stable or slightly lower interest rates and rental growth as market drivers, while noting continued risks from geopolitical uncertainty, energy costs and urban-planning regulation.
At the group level, Colliers reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $1.57 billion, up 17% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 14% to $205.3 million. Investment Management revenue increased 17% to $147.2 million, and the company reaffirmed expectations for mid-teens growth in full-year revenue, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share. First-half 2026 revenue was approximately $2.89 billion, compared with $2.49 billion a year earlier, while operating earnings rose only modestly.
Implications for the Italian Market
The appointment reflects a broader regionalization of capital-markets coverage in Italy, as investor demand extends beyond Milan into Rome and other major markets. Firms able to combine investment sales, leasing, valuation, technical due diligence and living expertise may be better positioned for portfolio transactions and urban-regeneration assignments. With leasing in Rome remaining selective, tenant quality, location and asset format are likely to remain important considerations for investors in the region.
Sources
- Colliers, "Niccolò Suardi Appointed Head Of Colliers' Rome Office, Retail Italy": https://www.colliers.com/en-it/news/niccolo-suardi-appointment