Hines Recruits Cantor Fitzgerald Veteran to Oversee Legal and Compliance
Hines has announced a senior appointment to bolster its legal leadership as the company said it continues to scale its global platform and drive innovation across its operations.
John J. Jones joins the global real estate investment manager as managing partner, general counsel, and chief compliance officer. An executive and multi-time public company general counsel with extensive experience across investment management, real estate, financial services, and corporate governance, Jones most recently served as executive managing director and general counsel, financial services, Americas, at Cantor Fitzgerald from 2008 to 2025.
He brings more than three decades of legal experience to Hines and a proven track record of successful strategic, transactional and legal department leadership.
During his 17-year tenure with Cantor, he played a key strategic, leadership and legal role in the organization, including overseeing legal matters for investment banking, sales and trading, and capital markets activities, and leading complex international transactions and major acquisitions. He played a pivotal role in launching and building the firm’s asset management business.
Jones began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in 1991. At Hines, John will oversee the global legal function, ensuring sound governance, risk management, and compliance across the firm’s expanding global footprint. He was also a managing director at J3 Capital from 2006 to 2008.
Jones earned his J.D. from Boston University School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
In addition to Jones’ hire, Hines has also named Simon Okunev joins as senior managing director and global head of technology, and Jason Lorenz as senior managing director, head of HR technology, operations, and employee experience.
Okunev had most recently served as chief information officer at Tishman Speyer, where he led the development of smart building systems, IoT platforms, and AI-driven operational efficiencies.
Prior to Hines, Lorenz served as chief operating officer of people at Citadel, where he led enterprise-wide HR initiatives.
“These strategic appointments reflect Hines’ commitment to scaling innovation, enhancing operational resilience, strengthening legal and compliance capabilities and delivering excellence across every aspect of our business,” said Jeffrey C. Hines, chairman and co-chief executive officer. “John, Simon, and Jason bring exceptional expertise and leadership that will help us navigate complexity, unlock new opportunities, and deepen our impact with clients, partners, and communities worldwide.”
Hines owned and operated $90.1 billion of assets across property types as of the end of 2024, and on behalf of a diverse group of institutional and private wealth clients.
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