A pair of Japanese moves highlights Mingtiandi’s review of personnel changes from around Asia Pacific’s real estate industry this week as Seven & I Holdings and the manager of Tokyu REIT both unveil new leadership. Also making the list are appointments at Singapore’s JTC and Pontiac Land Group.
Japan’s Seven & I Holdings has resolved to appoint Junro Ito as representative director, executive chair and executive officer, promoting the son of the company’s late chairman, Masatoshi Ito, from vice president executive officer and other job titles. The appointment plan was announced to the Tokyo exchange as the parent company of the 7-Eleven retail chain proposes a board overhaul as it attempts to fend off a $47.5 billion takeover from Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Yoshitaka Kimura (pictured) will step down as representative director, president and chief executive of Japan’s Tokyu REIT from 1 May, according to an announcement by the Tokyo-listed trust. Kimura will be returning to work directly at the REIT’s sponsor, Tokyu Corporation, as the company appoints Momoko Sasaki as the new leader of Tokyu REIT. Having first joined Tokyu Corporation in 1992, Sasaki current serves as head of the company’s mall development subsidiary.
Singapore’s JTC Corporation announced on 17 April that it has appointed Chia Song Hwee as chairman-designate from 1 May, with the Temasek Holdings executive set to take over the chairman role at the industrial land administrator from 1 July. Currently deputy chief executive officer of Temasek International Pte Ltd, Chia will be taking over the top spot at JTC from Tang Chong Meng, who will be stepping down after more than six years as chairman.
Pontiac Land Group has hired former Sun Venture executive Esther Siam as vice president for investment and asset management, according to a LinkedIn update. Siam took on her new role this month after previously spending nearly five years with Sun Venture where she worked her way up to director before leaving last year. The University of Oxford and National University of Singapore graduate also has previous experience with CapitaLand and Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Former Gaw Capital Partners India chief Nitin Gupta has gone out on his own, announcing the establishment of NewAgeCapital earlier this month. Gupta has set up the firm to advise global investors on opportunities in Indian real estate, renewables and data centres, as well as to provide asset management support after just less than three years as head of India for Gaw Capital.
European luxury house Kering has promoted Masato Edo to real estate director for north and south Asia Pacific, according to a LinkedIn update. The Seattle University graduate received his new duties this month after more than five years as head of real estate for Japan and South Korea with the parent company of Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and other luxury brands. Edo also has previous experience with LVMH affiliate L Catterton Real Estate.
Urban planning consultancy Surbana Jurong on 14 April announced that it has appointed Lim Cheng Cheng as group chief financial officer officer with effect from 16 April. In her new role the former Singtel executive will report directly to Surbana Jurong chief executive Sean Chiao after having served as group chief financial officer at the Temasek Holdings-controlled telecom operator.
Colliers said on 16 April that it has promoted Andrew Liu to chairman of its Taiwan business, providing an additional title for the company’s local managing director. Liu took on his enhanced title with the property consultancy after having first joined Colliers in 2006. Having concluded deals for more than 8.6 million square feet of property, the Feng Chia university graduate also has previous experience with CBRE in Taiwan.
If you know of other Asia real estate professionals changing their jobs, getting promoted or just doing something exciting please contact us here at Mingtiandi.
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