BKREA has appointed Candice Gradenigo as Chief of Staff to support the Manhattan investment sales firm’s next phase of growth. Working closely with Chairman and CEO Bob Knakal, she will advance strategic initiatives, strengthen operations, and expand firm-wide organizational capabilities.
New York, NY, United States, September 15, 2026 --
New York, NY – September 15, 2026 – BKREA, a leading Manhattan-focused investment sales brokerage, announced today the appointment of Candice Gradenigo as Chief of Staff, effective immediately. In this pivotal role, Gradenigo will collaborate closely with Chairman & CEO Bob Knakal on various initiatives encompassing strategy, business operations, organizational development, and the sustained growth of the firm. She will prioritize enhancing the infrastructure and operational capabilities necessary to expand BKREA’s platform.

Gradenigo arrives at BKREA with over ten years of proven leadership experience at United Technologies, specifically at Pratt & Whitney, which is now part of RTX. Throughout her tenure, she successfully oversaw complex negotiations and strategic projects, yielding a financial impact exceeding $400 million. Gradenigo played a critical role in negotiating multiyear partnership agreements valued at up to $500 million and directed a global supply chain operation with a budget of $300 million.
In addition to her corporate background, Gradenigo is also an entrepreneur. She founded Picks & Deals, growing the digital commerce business to produce over $2 million in annual affiliate sales through diverse digital channels and by developing audience engagement, brand partnerships, and revenue strategies.
"We’re thrilled that Candice agreed to join BKREA," stated Bob Knakal. "She brings a unique combination of experience operating at significant scale and an entrepreneurial mindset. She’s a great fit for where we’re taking the company."
As Chief of Staff, Gradenigo will be responsible for coordinating and advancing key firm-wide initiatives, fostering partnerships with BKREA’s leadership team. Her role will facilitate communication and ensure alignment across the growing organization, translating the firm’s strategic priorities into actionable results.
Gradenigo, who was born and raised in Paris and is now based in New York City, offers a global perspective and is fluent in French, English, German, and Spanish. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Maîtrise de Sciences de Gestion from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.
BKREA's strategic appointment of Gradenigo underscores its commitment to fortifying its brokerage platform by investing in key systems, talent, and operational capabilities to support the firm's ambitious growth trajectory.
About the company: BKREA is a Manhattan-focused investment sales real estate brokerage led by Chairman and CEO Bob Knakal, one of New York City’s most accomplished commercial real estate brokers. The firm combines deep market knowledge, transaction experience, proprietary research, and modern technology to serve owners, investors, and developers across New York City’s commercial market.
Contact Info:
Name: Bob Knakal
Email: Send Email
Organization: BKREA
Address: 135 West 36th Street NY NY 10018
Phone: 212-888-8850
Website: https://bkrea.com
Release ID: 89203387
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Kelana Jaya Line LRT service between the Wangsa Maju and Gombak stations fully resumed operation at 3.30 pm today after repair works were completed, says Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd. The Rapid KL rail service operator previously stated that the service disruption was caused by an unusual flow of rainwater in the surrounding area, which entered the tracks and damaged several track components at around 10.20 am. Rapid Rail said that the operations team was forced to cut off the power supply in the affected area to allow for inspections and repair works. “The Rapid Rail engineering team has successfully completed temporary repair works on the track components. Tests on the system and track components were also conducted to ensure that services could resume safely in accordance with safety standards. “However, the engineering and operations teams will continue to monitor the system’s stability to ensure smooth train operations,“ the statement said. Rapid Rail thanked passengers for their patience throughout the service disruption. Several roads in Kuala Lumpur were flooded following continuous heavy rain that began around 9 am today.
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KUALA LUMPUR: The immediate return of children rescued during Op Global to their parents and families is a top priority for the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). However, its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said KPWKM must first ensure that the children’s parents and families can provide adequate and proper care. “For cases where the capability of the parents and families is clearly established, the reunification process can proceed without delay. In more complex situations, intervention programmes will be implemented to ensure the children’s and families’ best interests are safeguarded “The ultimate goal is to reunite these children with their families. However, before this can happen, several factors need to be carefully evaluated. This is not about denying anyone’s rights, but about ensuring the best interests of the children are upheld,” Nancy said during a minister’s briefing session on GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) in the Dewan Rakyat today. As of yesterday, 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – had been placed in safe custody after the Social Welfare Department (JKM) obtained a temporary court custody order for two months under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Meanwhile, Nancy said the Task Force Profiling Team for Op Global found that 94.3 per cent of the 558 profiled children had at least one living biological parent, while 5.7 per cent had no parents or no available information on their parents. Health assessments showed that 51.6 per cent of the children were underweight, falling below the healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), while 46.1 per cent had a normal weight and the remaining children were classified as obese, she added. “Three children have been issued persons with disabilities (PwD) cards, while 27 others display symptoms of disability,” she added. Cognitive assessments were also conducted on 385 children aged seven and above, with 71.9 per cent (277 children) showing no signs of cognitive disorders, she said. “However, 20.26 per cent (78 children) displayed moderate cognitive disorders, while 7.79 per cent (30 children) were found to have severe cognitive impairments,” Nancy said.
PETALING JAYA: A surprise inspection by Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications committee chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh recently found 17 Immigration counters at the Johor checkpoint empty. The inspection was conducted following a video circulating online showing the 17 empty counters at the checkpoint in Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), triggering public backlash. He confirmed that the surprise inspection found that the incident actually occurred, Harian Metro reported. The video showed the empty counters, with green lights on however, the pathways were closed off to commuters. ALSO READ: Woman calls out Immigration officer for alleged rude behaviour Fazli then instructed that the green lights to be turned off to indicate that the lane is closed, to ensure no one is confused. “If there is no solid reason given regarding the incident, this can be considered intentional,” he was quoted as saying. On the other hand, Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said an internal probe will be conducted on the incident. ALSO READ: Woman expresses gratitude to Johor Immigration officers for returning lost RM1.5k “The internal investigation will determine whether the immigration officer handling the counter neglected their duties or intentionally left the counter without permission. “We will not tolerate this behaviour, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against them if they are found to have neglected their duties. “It is a violation of responsibility, and I take this issue seriously,“ he was quoted as saying.
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KUALA LUMPUR: The police (PDRM) have initiated investigations into companies linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), which are operating overseas. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged the challenges of extending investigations beyond Malaysia’s borders but confirmed that PDRM have already reached out to authorities in 18 countries where these companies are believed to be active. “The police have taken steps to contact these countries using mutual legal agreements (MLA) to facilitate cooperation,” he said during a briefing on the GISBH issue at the Dewan Rakyat today. Earlier reports indicated that PDRM had identified 23 properties owned by GISBH in 10 countries, with an estimated value RM52.4 million. Saifuddin Nasution also said that 15 cases have been brought before courts nationwide, with trial dates pending. He highlighted a case of child abuse linked to the investigation, where the accused pleaded guilty and received a 10-year prison sentence. “There have been numerous breaches of the law, and it is imperative that we conduct the investigation thoroughly and with full accountability, allowing the legal process to unfold as it should. “I want to make it clear that there is no political motive behind the government’s handling of this case. The fact remains, crimes against children have occurred,” he said.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has comprehensive regulations on smoking and tobacco control and does not need to follow other countries in banning vape and its products, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Read full story
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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian innovators and manufacturers should seize the opportunity to tap into the immense potential of the global medical devices industry, which is projected to reach nearly US$800 billion by 2030, says Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang noted that Malaysia had many high-quality products and innovators in the medical devices sector, with the government continuously encouraging and supporting industry players in research and development (R&D) and commercialisation efforts. “The market is vast, and we have plenty of room for success. To support R&D, of course, not limited to the medical devices industry, MOSTI offers various funding facilities, grants, matching grants, and equity where we invest in relevant startups,” he said. Chang said this to reporters after officiating the soft launch of INNOMed: Innovation Pitching Powered by PERANTIM, a key event in the International Medical Device Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC) 2024. Also present were Medical Device Authority (MDA) chief executive officer Dr P. Muralitharan, Malaysia Medical Devices Manufacturers Association (PERANTIM) president Johari Abu Kasim, and organising chairman of INNOMed, Dr Hyzan Mohd Yusof. Earlier in his speech, Chang said that under Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the government aimed to foster synergies between the manufacturing and engineering sectors and the medical devices sector. This includes creating advanced inspection tools, solutions for imaging and endoscopy, implantable devices, and minimally invasive surgical tools. Meanwhile, Muralitharan told Bernama that, according to figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia’s total trade in medical devices, valued at RM25.61 billion from January to July this year, increased by 23.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2023 (RM20.74 billion). He added that the export of medical devices was valued at RM20.15 billion, an increase of 25.7 per cent compared to RM16.02 billion in 2023. In his speech, Dr Hyzan said that medical device innovation presented an opportunity to improve healthcare while boosting the economy, with the industry projected to reach nearly US$2 billion by 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors. “By focusing on innovation, we can create high-skilled jobs, reduce our dependence on imported technologies, and position Malaysia as a global leader. Last year, we spent US$5 billion on medical devices, with 95 per cent being imports. Our goal is to reduce this to 50 per cent within five years,” he said. He also emphasised that close collaboration among universities, innovators, manufacturers, clinicians, and government agencies was key to ensuring that ideas and research transitioned smoothly from laboratories to clinical applications and into the hands of healthcare providers. INNOMed, themed “Unleashing the Power of Medical Technology: Shaping the Future of Healthcare,“ is organised by the MDA and will take place from Dec 10 to 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
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KUALA LUMPUR: Repair works are being carried out following a service disruption on the Kelana Jaya LRT Line, involving the track between Wangsa Maju and Sri Rampai Stations, which was caused by an unusual flow of rainwater that damaged several track components, said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd (Rapid Rail). Rapid Rail as the operator of the Rapid KL rail service in a statement said that the incident occurred at 10.20 am which forced the operation to stop the power supply in the area involved to allow inspection and repair work to be carried out. “Repair works are being actively carried out by Rapid Rail’s technical team to ensure that services can be restored soon,“ according to the statement. For now, a feeder service has been activated between Gombak Station and Wangsa Maju Station. Trains from the direction of Putra Heights will turn back at Wangsa Maju Station. A total of 12 free feeder buses at a frequency of every 15 minutes are operating to ensure that passengers can continue their journey. “We hope that this repair work can be completed before the evening peak hour,“ said Rapid Rail. In addition, operation staff and auxiliary police personnel have been stationed at the stations involved to help facilitate the movement of affected passengers. Continuous announcements on the development of service status will be delivered through Rapid KL’s social media, at all stations, and on trains. Rapid Rail also informed that the latest development of service status will be announced at 3 pm. “Passengers are advised to plan their journeys and refer to Rapid KL’s social media to get the latest information on the service status of the Kelana Jaya LRT Line,“ said the statement. For more information, the public can contact Rapid Rail’s communications officer, Noor Natasha Mohd Irwan at 013-332 2900. Several roads in Kuala Lumpur were flooded following the continuous heavy rain that started at about 9 this morning.
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