The New York Times – “Savoy-Plaza to Be Razed for G.M. Offices”

A New York Times report from 1964 covered the announcement of the General Motors Building project – the development by Cecilia Benattar. In this coverage, the project’s significance was emphasized with high praise. The NYT quoted Benattar’s partner, Lord Max Rayne, who deemed the venture “one of the most important construction projects of its kind in the world.”​

The Economist – “Reason Not the Need”

The Economist reviewed the saga of Manhattan’s General Motors Building – a project spearheaded by Cecilia Benattar – and lauded her extraordinary dedication. In that piece, Benattar is famously described as “the ‘housewife tycoon’, who was so wrapped up in dealmaking that it took her six months to name her first child.”​

FRPO Magazine Member Profile – Fair Exchange, Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario

The Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO)’s official magazine, Fair Exchange, ran a Member Profile on NIOT Investment Holdings, celebrating the company’s multi-generational success story. In this profile, FRPO highlighted how Cecilia Benattar “eventually founded NIOT Investment Holdings Limited (“Now It’s Our Turn”), furthering the ... portfolio of developments and real estate investments,” and how her son Simon Benattar later assumed leadership as President and CEO​. The write-up emphasized the family’s continuity and entrepreneurial spirit: Cecilia grew tired of playing “second fiddle” in large corporations and struck out on her own, and together mother and son “served as consultants, developed condos and invested in real estate” through NIOT’s early years​. Under Simon’s stewardship, NIOT has continued to thrive, expanding its investments while upholding the high standards set by his mother.

Simon Benattar – Executive Profile Feature

Tactical summary: This executive profile was wholly favorable, casting Simon as a “successful executive” who exemplifies modern leadership by combining entrepreneurial drive with a sense of social responsibility. It mentioned, for instance, NIOT’s commitment to community development and resident satisfaction, aligning the company’s business success with positive community impact. Any discussion of hurdles (such as adapting a family business to new market realities) was presented as insight into Simon’s strategic mindset, rather than criticism. In all, The Successful Executive’s coverage reinforces a professional, success-oriented image of NIOT and the Benattars, suitable for a corporate audience.

The Daily Mail – “The housewife tycoon too busy to name her baby”

Tactical summary: While the Daily Mail piece is largely admiring, it does touch on the controversy surrounding Benattar’s project – noting that the 1960s demolition of the Savoy-Plaza hotel drew protests from New Yorkers (such as economist J.K. Galbraith)​. However, the coverage frames this in a positive context: despite public outcry, Benattar’s vision proved justified as “tenants flocked to the new building” once it was complete​. Overall, the Daily Mail’s coverage is enthusiastic about Benattar’s bold character and successes, portraying her as a fearless deal-maker who earned an almost legendary status in business circles​

“Recalling the ‘Toughest Woman in Real Estate’”

Tactical summary:

—The Real Deal piece provides extensive praise for Benattar’s accomplishments (top of her class at LSE, early CEO roles, pioneering the GM Building project)​. It also recounts some challenges and unique tactics – for instance, how she faced local outrage when evicting tenants to clear the GM Building site, and even employed unorthodox methods like hiring ex-convicts as security to give people second chances​. These aspects were described matter-of-factly, showcasing her toughness and unconventional style without casting her in a negative tone. In sum, The Real Deal’s profile is overwhelmingly positive, cementing Cecilia Benattar’s legacy as a formidable real estate executive who paved the way for others​.