APAC Real Estate People in the News 2026-04-06

JD Property, the global logistics real estate platform of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, has promoted Zhi Li to managing director and head of investment, based in Shanghai, according to a LinkedIn update. Li takes his step up after joining the company as an executive director in July of last year following more than a decade at China Vanke. JD Properties has been expanding its industrial and logistics portfolio across multiple markets as it builds out its international real estate platform on the back of JD.com’s global supply chain ambitions.

Eagle Asset Management, the manager of Hong Kong-listed Champion Real Estate Investment Trust, is set for a leadership change with Christina Hau preparing to step down as executive director and CEO on 30 April 2026 after a four-year tenure. Hau is leaving to take on new challenges and the manager is searching for suitable candidates to fill the vacancies, according to an announcement to the Hong Kong stock exchange. Hau joined Champion REIT in February 2022 from Wharf China Estates, where she had spent nearly a decade in retail leasing and operations.

Mitsubishi Estate Asia has promoted So Kanada to deputy managing director at its Singapore office, according to a LinkedIn update. So takes the step-up from executive director as he marks four years with the Singapore-based regional arm of Tokyo developer Mitsubishi Estate, one of Japan’s largest property groups. Mitsubishi Estate Asia has been active in residential and mixed-use development across Southeast Asia and has deepened its presence in Australia’s retirement living market through a portfolio partnership with Stockland.

GIC has named Bob Prince, co-chief investment officer of Bridgewater Associates and chair of the US hedge fund’s board of directors, to its International Advisory Board with effect from 1 April, according to a statement marking the sovereign fund’s 45th anniversary. Prince will also serve in an advisory capacity to GIC’s Investment Strategies Committee. The IAB provides GIC’s board and management with global perspectives on geopolitical, economic and market developments, including advice on investment trends and emerging growth opportunities.

CIFI Holdings (Group) Co Ltd has appointed Zhou Changliang as executive director, chief executive officer and authorised representative with effect from 1 April 2026, according to a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange. Zhou, 46, was previously executive vice president of the group and has held regional leadership roles since joining the developer in January 2021, including as president of its Beijing business. He started his career at China Overseas Holdings and held senior positions at Radiance Holdings before joining CIFI. His predecessor Ru Hailin (pictured) and fellow outgoing executive director Ge Ming will remain with the company as consultants.

Shangri-La Asia Limited confirmed the appointment of Teo Nee Chuan as executive director, group chief financial officer and group head of investment and asset management for China, with all roles having taken effect on 30 March 2026, as announced to the Hong Kong stock exchange. Teo, 55, joined Shangri-La in May 2025 as senior vice president for finance and new development in China, and moved up to group head of investment and asset management in September 2025. He previously served as chief financial officer at SICC Co Ltd, BioDuro-Sundia and H World Group. Teo takes over the CFO role from Chua Chee Wui, who continues as group head of investment.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank has promoted Daisuke Naoi to joint general manager in its global real estate business planning and promotion department in Tokyo, according to a LinkedIn update. Naoi steps up from associate general manager, a role he had held at the Japanese trust bank’s real estate division. He brings more than 20 years of experience in real estate brokerage to his expanded remit, with a track record in cross-border transactions spanning the US, UK and Asia. During his tenure at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Naoi was seconded to Singapore with SMTB affiliate Knight Frank.

Kevin Tan Heng Chew will step down as chief financial officer of IREIT Global‘s manager with effect from 30 June 2026 to pursue other opportunities, according to an announcement to the Singapore stock exchange. Tan, 45, joined the REIT sponsored by Tikehau Capital and City Developments Limited in February 2025, overseeing financial accounting and reporting, capital management, investor relations and compliance. IREIT said there are no unresolved differences between Tan and the board in connection with his departure.