The Real Property Association of Canada (REALpac) has appointed Michael Brooks to his former position as Chief Executive Officer .

Brooks was CEO of the association for 15 years before leaving in March 2012 to return to his commercial real estate law practice with Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto. Since then, he has also been teaching real estate development at Ryerson University and writing a textbook on Canadian real estate for REALpac.

“REALpac has a critical role to play in the Canadian commercial real estate industry and I am excited to be returning,” Brooks says. “Being away from the association for almost two years has provided me with a fresh perspective and I am returning with new ideas and a renewed focus to move the industry forward.”

During his time as CEO, Brooks oversaw the expansion of REALpac, growing its membership three-fold, and adding research, standards, conferences, publications and professional development to its offerings. He was responsible for bringing REIT limited liability to most Canadian provinces.

The REALpac Board of Directors approached Brooks when they started looking for a new CEO in October. Brooks will resume his duties on Jan. 1, 2014.