Professional Experience
Steven E. Baker serves as Chief Executive Officer of RTL, overseeing the firm’s strategy, growth, and advisory work across New York City and the Tri-State area. Since joining the firm in 2000, he has played a central role in shaping RTL’s market presence and delivering strong results for both landlords and tenants. With more than two decades of experience, Steven is known for his strategic insight, disciplined execution, and deep relationships throughout the commercial real estate community.
In addition to leading RTL’s strategic direction, Steven remains a full-time advisor and broker to many of the region’s most prominent ownership groups, including Related Companies, The Durst Organization, The Brodsky Organization, Brookfield Properties, TF Cornerstone, SL Green, Commonwealth, Nuveen, Savanna, Madison Capital, Affinius Capital, Fetner, Glenwood, L&L Holding Company, World Wide Group, Abington Properties, Algin Management, The Stahl Organization, and STRS Ohio, among others. He also represents a range of notable tenants such as AT&T, Hamburger America, Major Food Group, Juice Generation, ST Management Restaurant Group, Schnipper’s, and The City University of New York, securing high-impact locations that support long-term visibility and growth.
Steven has been instrumental in marketing and leasing many of New York City’s most sought-after retail properties, from flagship corners and mixed-use developments to neighborhood corridors and major repositionings. His experience and trusted advisory approach have made him a key partner to institutions, developers, private owners, and brands. His notable transactions include representing the landlord, TF Cornerstone, in a nearly 52,000-square-foot lease with Chelsea Piers at 300 Livingston Street in Brooklyn. He also represented both the landlord, Related Companies, and the tenant, City University’s John Jay College, in a 60,000-square-foot lease at 845 Tenth Avenue. At 1 Union Square South, he represented both the landlord, Related Companies/STRS Ohio, and the tenant, Walgreens, as well as the landlord in leases with Nordstrom Rack and Citibank at the same property.
He also represented Hamburger America, named one of The New York Times “100 Best Restaurants in New York City 2025” and featured on TimeOut New York’s “16 Best Burgers in NYC,” for their first location at 51 MacDougal Street, and represented the landlord, Commonwealth Partners, in a lease with Limusina by Quality Branded at 441 Ninth Avenue.
As CEO, Steven continues to guide RTL through an evolving retail landscape, ensuring the firm delivers thoughtful strategy, strong execution, and long-term value for its clients.
