Raymond Torto has joined CB Richard Ellis in Boston as global chief economist. He will direct a team of commercial real estate market analysts and serve as the firm's primary spokesman on macroeconomic issues and the global market. He will also advise the board on economic matters. His career spans nearly four decades in business, public and academic sectors.

Amy Rose has been promoted to co-president at New York-based Rose Associates real estate firm. She will oversee strategic positioning and development, including projects and ventures with clients and development partners. Recently, she was project manager for two residential rental projects.

Cliff Carnes has been promoted to chief operating officer at Johnson Capital, a commercial real estate investment banking firm based in Irvine, Calif. He will oversee human resources, accounting, marketing, information technology and vendor management in 20 domestic and foreign offices.

Steve Cohen has been promoted to vice president of real estate for Opus East in Rockville, Md. He will be responsible for sourcing new development in Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia. Earlier, he worked on company projects and establishing a presence in Washington, D.C.