C&W Promotes Mandy Qian to Lead Greater China Business Development

Cushman & Wakefield has promoted Mandy Qian to head of business development services for Greater China, taking over from longtime Shanghai hand James Shepherd, who has returned to the UK.

Qian previously led North China business development services and Greater China communications. In her new role, which became effective on 15 November, she reports to Anna Town, Cushman’s head of business development services for EMEA and APAC.

Glasgow native Shepherd relocated to London earlier this year for an expanded role as head of operations, research and marketing for EMEA and APAC after more than two decades of postings with various agencies in China’s commercial capital.

“Mandy will work closely with the Greater China management teams to ensure a smooth transition and healthy growth of our business,” Town said in a release.

Wei Takes Up Duties

As part of the transition, Sabrina Wei will assume Qian’s previous responsibilities as head of business development services for North China. Wei concurrently serves as head of research for North China and chief policy analyst for Greater China.

Before joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2013, Qian spent three years as an associate director at CBRE. Her earlier career experience included public relations jobs with Accor and the Mandarin Oriental Beijing.

Town hailed Qian for her expertise in the operations of Cushman’s business development services team, noting that her innovative thinking and rich go-to-market experience would stand her in good stead in the new role.

“I would also like to thank James for his leadership and contributions during his tenure with our Greater China business and wish him continued success in his wider APAC and EMEA remit,” Town said.

British Reshoring

First relocating to Asia in 1998, Shepherd caught on with property consultancy Sallmanns Far East in Hong Kong before landing a broker role with Savills. The Scotsman shifted to Shanghai in 2001, where he worked first with Sallmanns and then with Chesterton Petty (later acquired by Knight Frank) in valuation and professional services roles.

After three-year stints with Ernst & Young and Colliers in Shanghai, Shepherd joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2014 and spent more than nine years as head of business development services for Greater China.

The graduate of Southampton Solent University moved to Cushman’s London office in April of this year to begin his expanded role.