Toronto-based Colliers International has appointed former CBRE vice chair of capital markets Yukihiro Ogasawara as its new managing director and chairman of its Japan operation, according to a statement by the company earlier this month.
Based in Tokyo, Ogasawara will be tasked with leading Colliers’ business growth in its fastest growing market and will work as a member of the brokerage’s Asia Executive Team.
“We are delighted to have Ogasawara-San join us to lead and accelerate the success of our clients and our people in one of the world’s most powerful economies,” Asia Pacific CEO John Kenny said in the announcement. “His experience in capital markets will be particularly relevant to our clients in the region and around the world as they seek opportunity in the post-COVID economy.”
Applying Leadership in a Growth Market
A 40-year industry veteran, prior to joining CBRE in 2010, Ogasawara had served as general manager for Sumitomo Realty & Development’s international business department in Japan. In 1981 the Waseda University graduate moved to the US, where he was ultimately appointed executive vice president and head of Sumitomo’s New York office.
Ogasawara later segued into the company’s commercial brokerage services and a seat on the board of directors representing the firm’s investment advisory division. He also did a stint at Ichigo Group Holdings as senior statutory executive officer and head of real estate services.
While at CBRE, Ogasawara advised investors on strategies for deploying Japanese capital regionally and globally.
“I am thrilled to lead such an enterprising organisation that matches the pace of Japan’s dynamic and growing market,” Ogasawara said. “I look forward to working with the exceptional team in place and building on our strong track record of success to drive our business forward in the months and years to come.”
While growing Colliers’ Japanese presence, Ogasawara will tap his broad experience in labour recruiting, sourcing domestic and international capital, deal structuring and overseeing the acquisition and management of cross-sector developments.
Ogasawara will be stepping onto the foundation laid by Katsuji Tokita, who led Colliers’ Japanese team for the past four years. Tokita will transition to a role as managing director of major projects and work with Ogasawara on services for MNCs across Japan.
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