International Tenant Representative Alliance Expands in Northern Europe

Boston, Commercial Real Estate, News, Tenant Representation

Founded in 1980, The Stevens Group is a Boston-based commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm with more than four decades of experience helping companies make informed real estate decisions. Today, our practice is centered on Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation, providing independent, conflict-free guidance to tenants and occupiers throughout Greater Boston and beyond.

We advise clients on site selection, negotiations for new leases, renewals, relocations, expansions, consolidations, and specialized office, R&D/lab, industrial and flex requirements. As the Boston affiliate of the International Tenant Representative Alliance (ITRA Global), we can also support clients across the U.S. and internationally while maintaining the senior- level, hands-on service of an independent firm.

The Stevens Group has been certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) since 2011 and is proud to celebrate 15 years of certification in 2026.

What inspired you to start your company, and what has shaped your journey woman business owner in CRE?

The Stevens Group was founded by my parents, Mark and Debra Stevens, in 1980, and I joined the firm in 2013. My mother had a remarkable career in commercial real estate and showed me firsthand what was possible for a woman in the industry, while my father was an equally important mentor and supporter. Since Debra’s passing last year, carrying forward what they built has taken on added meaning. I am proud of our history and committed to positioning The Stevens Group for the future while preserving the integrity, reputation, and client focus that define us.

What are you most proud of about the company you’ve built?

I am most proud of the trust we have earned and the long-standing relationships we have built with clients over more than four decades. Our size and independence allow us to stay closely involved, be responsive, and give objective advice. I also value that we have continued to evolve and stay current while remaining true to how we do business.

Celebrating 15 years as a certified women business enterprise is another milestone I am especially proud of.

What are you most excited about for your company and its future?

I am excited to continue expanding the ways we support clients as their real estate needs become more complex. We have the advantage of being nimble, experienced, and highly personal in our approach, while our ITRA Global affiliation gives clients broader reach when they need it. I see the next chapter as thoughtful growth, interesting assignments, and continuing to strengthen our reputation as a trusted advisor to corporate occupiers.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you, and what perspective would you share with women considering starting a business of their own?

Being a woman-owned business is meaningful to me because it reflects how far opportunities for women in commercial real estate have come. CRE Brokerage is a demanding career, but I believe women can build successful businesses and careers in this industry without having to choose between professional growth and the other priorities in their lives. My advice is to seek out strong mentors and advisors, trust your expertise and create a culture that values high performance and flexibility. The right environment can make a meaningful difference in sustaining a rewarding career over time.

FOUNDED: 1980

HEADQUARTERS: Boston, MA

SPECIALTIES: Corporate Real Estate Advisory & Tenant Representation; Office, R&D/Lab, Industrial & Flex Requirements

MARKETS SERVED: Greater Boston/Massachusetts; and national and international supportand consulting

WOMAN-OWNED SINCE: 2011

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July 2010

Boston, MA – The Stevens Group, the Boston Affiliate of The International Tenant Representative Alliance (ITRA), has announced that Stockholm-based Newsec AB, the leading commercial real estate consultancy firm in Northern Europe, was recently selected as the Northern European affiliate for ITRA. With more than 500 professionals on staff, Newsec has 12 offices in seven countries and has recently represented clients in transactions totaling more than € 9 billion.

“Newsec has long been a major force in the industry and has developed a stellar international reputation”, says Debra Stracke Anderson CCIM, SIOR, chairman of ITRA. “Having Newsec on board immeasurably bolsters our capacity to serve this crucial region as we continue to focus on strategic global expansion to meet the needs of our clients.”

“We are very excited and are looking forward to becoming a member of ITRA,” says Helén Silverstolpe, a Newsec partner and Head of Corporate Real Estate. “We are convinced that the ITRA affiliation will add tremendous value to our service delivery and open new global markets to us. Newsec is the full service property house in Northern Europe and the ITRA membership will strengthen us as we continue to be the leading player in our markets.”

As head of corporate real estate for Newsec and an established figure in international real estate circles, Ms. Silverstolpe has 20 years experience as an advisor on corporate real estate issues for organizations such as Telia, EQT, IPG Group, and many other clients from the international corporate, private equity and industrial sectors. She has extensive expertise in strategic planning and negotiating leases that minimize costs and maximize value.

With coverage in more than 85 global markets throughout the United States, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe, ITRA is the largest tenant representation organization in the world, offering a unique approach to Corporate Real Estate Services. While other real estate organizations represent both landlords and tenants, ITRA’s North American offices represent only corporate users of space, eliminating the potential conflicts that exist within traditional brokerage firms. ITRA offices are comprised of principal-level brokers and consultants offering lease and renewal negotiations, acquisitions, dispositions and consulting services. In addition, ITRA provides highly specialized advisory services in the areas of state and local incentives, lease auditing, lease management, location analysis, project management, strategic consulting, space planning and more, all with the objective of achieving for clients the best financial, business and lease terms.