Michael Bowens Joins CBRE in Singapore as Head of Industrial and Logistics for APAC

CBRE has appointed Michael Bowens as head of industrial and logistics for its Asia Pacific advisory and transaction services practice, according to a release by the consultancy on Monday.

Based in Singapore, Bowens is responsible for developing CBRE’s growth strategy for its industrial and logistics business across Asia Pacific, and will collaborate with CBRE’s industrial and logistics and supply chain professionals to enhance productivity and performance for multinational manufacturing and logistics clients.

“CBRE’s position as a global leader in commercial real estate services presents an outstanding opportunity to deliver advanced solutions for clients. With access to the firm’s top-tier data analytics and market platform, I’m confident we can offer strategic guidance that strengthens property portfolios and drives value through operational efficiencies,” said Bowens.

20-Year Veteran

Bowens, who starts his new role this month according to his LinkedIn page, rejoins CBRE from Colliers in Singapore, where he had served as managing director and head of Asia industrial since January 2022.

“With more than 20 years of expertise in the Asia Pacific market, Michael brings extensive knowledge and experience in navigating local market nuances to help clients manage complexities with ease,” said Luke Moffat, head of Asia Pacific advisory and transaction services for CBRE. “With his strong client relationships, I am confident that our industrial and logistics business will ascend to new levels of growth and success under his leadership.”

 

Industrial and logistics ranked first among sectors preferred by investors responding to the CBRE 2024 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey this year, with nearly 45 percent favouring the asset class, while office ranked second at around 22 percent. In Singapore there have been strong pre-commitments to the city-state’s 2024 prime logistics pipeline, with vacancy expected to remain below 3 percent, according to a January report by the property consultancy.

Prior to serving as Colliers’ head of Asia industrial, Bowens held various roles with the consultancy, including head of Asia enterprise market solutions, executive director of regional tenant representation for Asia, and director of corporate solutions, with the executive having worked at the consultancy for 13 years.

The University of Limerick graduate began his career with CBRE in Shanghai with the industrial team, where he worked his way up to director of tenant representation for industrial and logistics, advising multinationals on establishing or expanding their China operations with a focus on Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region.

Shed Squads Bulk Up

CBRE’s hiring of Bowens comes weeks after consultancy peer JLL said that it was realigning its industrial platform in Asia Pacific with new roles for two of its Singapore-based leaders in the sector.

Under the new structure, Ben Horner was promoted to executive director for logistics and industrial in Asia Pacific after previously serving as senior director for APAC logistics and industrial solutions. Horner, who joined JLL last April from CEVA Logistics, will oversee new and existing business development operations for JLL in APAC.

Michael Ignatiadis has seen his role expanded to head of manufacturing strategy for Asia Pacific after serving as head of supply chain and logistics solutions since 2019. Ignatiadis now advises manufacturers with complex location requirements on optimal site locations to enable their business and supply chain strategy.