Allianz Introduces Former JLL Exec Megan Walters as Global Head of Research

After distinguishing itself as one of the most aggressive buyers of property assets in the Asia Pacific region, Allianz Real Estate is also busy building up its human resources as the property investment division of the European insurer brings on board a new research boss.

Allianz Real Estate on Friday introduced former JLL executive Megan Walters as its new global head of research, effective that same day, reporting to the company’s chief investment officer, Olivier Teran.

The financial services firm is bringing Walters on board near the end of a year when it has been one of the leading buyers of property assets in Asia Pacific, including major purchases in Singapore, China, India and Australia, as well as expanding its operations in other parts of the globe.

Allianz Expands Team

“2019 has been an active year for Allianz Real Estate – both from an investment perspective and in the way that we are developing our business,” Allianz Real Estate CEO Francois Trausch said in a statement. “We recently announced our AUM had reached EUR 67.1 billion, and we have achieved the first milestones of our third-party ambitions.”

Trausch pointed out that the company has launched its European Debt fund, as well as announcing its first equity deal where it acts as an asset manager on behalf of third party investment partner. The company has also added three new offices this year to bring its global total to 21 locations.

Just two weeks ago Allianz teamed up with Singapore’s Alpha Investment Partners to buy an 85 percent stake in a Beijing office complex for €1 billion and in July of this year the insurer partnered with Hong Kong’s Gaw Capital Partners to acquire the Duo commercial complex in Singapore for S$1.6 billion ($1.2 billion).

Walters Relocating to Europe

As she begins her new job, Walters will initially be working from Allianz’ Singapore office, which opened in 2016, before relocating to Europe.

The new role comes after the University of Reading graduate worked with JLL in the region for nearly 10 years, including spending the last three years as the company’s Head of Research for Asia Pacific.

Earlier, Walters, who holds a PhD in real estate economics from the University of Hong Kong had served as Head of Research for Asia Pacific at Cushman & Wakefield, and also has experience in academia, including serving as an adjunct associate professor at National University of Singapore and as an Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.