CBRE Hong Kong Forum 2024 | THRIVE

Moderator

Hannah Jeong, Executive Director, Head of Valuation & Advisory Services, CBRE Hong Kong

Hannah has accrued extensive valuation and advisory services experience over the past two decades in the sector, including property investment and development projects specialising in valuation, development consultancy, financial analysis, and feasibility studies.

Hannah has accrued extensive valuation and advisory services experience over the past two decades in the sector, including property investment and development projects specialising in valuation, development consultancy, financial analysis, and feasibility studies.

Panellists

Broderick Storie, Partner and Co-Head of Real Assets, PAG

Broderick Storie is a partner and Co-Head of Real Assets at PAG, responsible for supervising the operations and management of PAG’s Real Assets strategy. Mr. Storie has over 25 years of experience in real estate investment and holds a bachelor’s degree in banking & finance and accountancy from the Queensland University of Technology.

Broderick Storie is a partner and Co-Head of Real Assets at PAG, responsible for supervising the operations and management of PAG’s Real Assets strategy. Mr. Storie has over 25 years of experience in real estate investment and holds a bachelor’s degree in banking & finance and accountancy from the Queensland University of Technology.

Sarah Cooper, Managing Director, Global Head of Real Estate Equity Sales, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Sarah Cooper is Managing Director & Global Head of Real Estate Equity Sales at BofA Securities. Sarah works closely with both the research & banking side of BofA. She has worked on transactions from markets as diverse as Russia, China, India & Indonesia, as well as being active in traditional developed markets. Sarah was a top ranked property analyst in Australia, before moving to London and then Hong Kong where she has lived for more than 12 years. Sarah is a Global Trustee for the Urban Land institute, and on the Board of the HK chapter of the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association. She is also the Chairman of BofA’s HK Philanthropy committee and was previously Co-Chair of the Asian GBAM Women’s Leadership Council.

Sarah Cooper is Managing Director & Global Head of Real Estate Equity Sales at BofA Securities. Sarah works closely with both the research & banking side of BofA. She has worked on transactions from markets as diverse as Russia, China, India & Indonesia, as well as being active in traditional developed markets. Sarah was a top ranked property analyst in Australia, before moving to London and then Hong Kong where she has lived for more than 12 years. Sarah is a Global Trustee for the Urban Land institute, and on the Board of the HK chapter of the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association. She is also the Chairman of BofA’s HK Philanthropy committee and was previously Co-Chair of the Asian GBAM Women’s Leadership Council.

John Lam, Managing Director, Head of China and Hong Kong Property Research, UBS

John Lam joined UBS in October 2018 as the head of the China and Hong Kong property team. He oversees coverage of over 60 stocks, including China developers, landlords, REITs, property managers, agents, logistic properties, and Hong Kong property developers, landlords, and REITs. In the 2022 All-Asia Institutional Investor survey, John and his team were ranked as the top property team. They also consistently ranked in the top 3 from 2017 to 2024 in the All-Asia Institutional Investor survey. Additionally, in the 2020-2023 All-China Institutional Investor survey, John and his team were the top-ranked property team. Before joining UBS, John was with Morgan Stanley from 2010 to 2018. He was a top-ranked China cement analyst from 2014 to 2018 and a cement analyst from 2010 to 2014, before switching to property in early 2015.

John Lam joined UBS in October 2018 as the head of the China and Hong Kong property team. He oversees coverage of over 60 stocks, including China developers, landlords, REITs, property managers, agents, logistic properties, and Hong Kong property developers, landlords, and REITs. In the 2022 All-Asia Institutional Investor survey, John and his team were ranked as the top property team. They also consistently ranked in the top 3 from 2017 to 2024 in the All-Asia Institutional Investor survey. Additionally, in the 2020-2023 All-China Institutional Investor survey, John and his team were the top-ranked property team. Before joining UBS, John was with Morgan Stanley from 2010 to 2018. He was a top-ranked China cement analyst from 2014 to 2018 and a cement analyst from 2010 to 2014, before switching to property in early 2015.

Reeves Yan, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, CBRE Hong Kong

Reeves Yan is Executive Director and Head of Capital Markets of CBRE Hong Kong. He is responsible for the Capital Markets business for CBRE in Hong Kong and lead a team of consultants in delivering world class investment solutions to clients. Reeves has over 15 years real estate experience. Prior to joining CBRE, Reeves was with Colliers International Hong Kong as Executive Director of Capital Markets and Investment Services, where he led a team to provide consultancy services on investment property acquisitions and disposals in Hong Kong.

Reeves is responsible for the Capital Markets business for CBRE Hong Kong and leads a team of professional real estate consultants to deliver world-class investment solutions to the clients. Reeves has over 15 years of real estate experience. He started his career as a valuation surveyor, and progressively moved into the property investment space, rising as one of the top deal makers in the industry. With his well proven track record and valuable experience, he delivers high standard of professional services to property developers, institutional fund managers, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and Mainland China and overseas investors.

Moderators

Ada Fung, Executive Director, Head of Leasing (Leasing) Services, CBRE Hong Kong

Ada is the Head of Leasing (Leasing) Services, CBRE Hong Kong, CBRE Hong Kong. She oversees all the Leasing business lines, including Office Services, Workplace, Retail, Industrial & Logistics Services and Transaction Management, with more than 140 real estate professionals altogether, supporting them to ensure they have the skills and resources to best serve CBRE's clients. Her teams provide a range of services to both tenants and landlords in the commercial office sector.

Ada is the Head of Leasing (Leasing) Services, CBRE Hong Kong, CBRE Hong Kong. She oversees all the Leasing business lines, including Office Services, Workplace, Retail, Industrial & Logistics Services and Transaction Management, with more than 140 real estate professionals altogether, supporting them to ensure they have the skills and resources to best serve CBRE's clients. Her teams provide a range of services to both tenants and landlords in the commercial office sector.

Panellists

George Hongchoy, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Link Asset Management Limited

Mr. George Hongchoy has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Link Asset Management Limited since May 2010. He is also the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Tracker Fund of Hong Kong, the Chairman and Honorary Founding President of the Hong Kong REITS Association, a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction at The University of Hong Kong, an Advisor to Our Hong Kong Foundation Limited, and a member of the Investment Subcommittee 2024/25 of the Community Chest of Hong Kong. Mr. Hongchoy began his career in New Zealand and has since moved into senior management positions in financial consulting, investment banking, and real estate investment. He was named one of Harvard Business Review’s 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World in 2019.

Mr. George Hongchoy has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Link Asset Management Limited since May 2010. He is also the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Tracker Fund of Hong Kong, the Chairman and Honorary Founding President of the Hong Kong REITS Association, a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Real Estate and Construction at The University of Hong Kong, an Advisor to Our Hong Kong Foundation Limited, and a member of the Investment Subcommittee 2024/25 of the Community Chest of Hong Kong. Mr. Hongchoy began his career in New Zealand and has since moved into senior management positions in financial consulting, investment banking, and real estate investment. He was named one of Harvard Business Review’s 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World in 2019.

Dimitri Gouten, CEO Asia Pacific, Buccellati

Dimitri Gouten serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Buccellati Asia Pacific, a role he has held since 2017. Based in Hong Kong, Dimitri is a seasoned leader in the luxury jewelry sector, bringing over more than 25 years of unparalleled expertise to the brand. His appointment marked a pivotal moment for Buccellati, as he was tasked with elevating its international stature in Asia—a region recognized as a burgeoning jewelry powerhouse, particularly in the dynamic Chinese market. Under Dimitri's visionary leadership, Buccellati has made remarkable strides, establishing a robust retail presence in China from the ground up. With a strategic focus on reinforcing Buccellati’s visibility across Asia, the company has embarked on an ambitious business plan, resulting in the establishment of 20 boutiques over seven years across China, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. Before joining Buccellati, Dimitri spent nearly a decade as President of Piaget Asia Pacific, where he was instrumental in the brand’s expansion across the region. His impressive track record includes the successful opening of the China market, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the luxury market. Dimitri’s illustrious career with Richemont, one of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerates, began in 1991 at Cartier in London after graduating from a prestigious French business school.

Dimitri Gouten serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Buccellati Asia Pacific, a role he has held since 2017. Based in Hong Kong, Dimitri is a seasoned leader in the luxury jewelry sector, bringing over more than 25 years of unparalleled expertise to the brand. His appointment marked a pivotal moment for Buccellati, as he was tasked with elevating its international stature in Asia—a region recognized as a burgeoning jewelry powerhouse, particularly in the dynamic Chinese market. Under Dimitri's visionary leadership, Buccellati has made remarkable strides, establishing a robust retail presence in China from the ground up. With a strategic focus on reinforcing Buccellati’s visibility across Asia, the company has embarked on an ambitious business plan, resulting in the establishment of 20 boutiques over seven years across China, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. Before joining Buccellati, Dimitri spent nearly a decade as President of Piaget Asia Pacific, where he was instrumental in the brand’s expansion across the region. His impressive track record includes the successful opening of the China market, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the luxury market. Dimitri’s illustrious career with Richemont, one of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerates, began in 1991 at Cartier in London after graduating from a prestigious French business school.

Lawrence Wan, Senior Director, Leasing Services – Retail, CBRE Hong Kong

Lawrence Wan is a Senior Director of Leasing Services - Retail at CBRE Hong Kong. As the Head of the department, Lawrence is responsible for steering the team to deliver exception solutions for clients. Lawrence's most recent role was with Dickson International Concepts Limited as Group Property Manager, where he oversaw a 300,000 sf real estate portfolio of luxury brands such as Harvey Nichols, Brooks Brothers, Rolex, Seibu, Tommy Hilfiger and Dickson Watches & Jewellery across Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.

Lawrence Wan is a Senior Director of Leasing Services - Retail at CBRE Hong Kong. As the Head of the department, Lawrence is responsible for steering the team to deliver exception solutions for clients. Lawrence's most recent role was with Dickson International Concepts Limited as Group Property Manager, where he oversaw a 300,000 sf real estate portfolio of luxury brands such as Harvey Nichols, Brooks Brothers, Rolex, Seibu, Tommy Hilfiger and Dickson Watches & Jewellery across Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.

Moderators

Marcos Chan, Executive Director, Head of Research, CBRE Hong Kong

Marcos oversees a team of research professionals, covering key property sectors in Hong Kong. He also works closely with the China, Asia Pacific and Global Research teams to proactively drive CBRE’s ongoing objective to produce first-class industry insight, research and analysis for CBRE clients. Marcos is a member of CBRE’s Asia Pacific Research Executive Committee.

Marcos oversees a team of research professionals, covering key property sectors in Hong Kong. He also works closely with the China, Asia Pacific and Global Research teams to proactively drive CBRE’s ongoing objective to produce first-class industry insight, research and analysis for CBRE clients. Marcos is a member of CBRE’s Asia Pacific Research Executive Committee.

Panellists

Andy Wong, Head of Innovation & Technology, Invest Hong Kong

Mr. Andy Wong is the Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government department responsible for attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment into Hong Kong.  His key focused technology segments include biotech, medical devices, healthcare, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new materials, and green technologies.  Mr. Wong has wealth strategy consulting and business development experience in high tech sector. Before joining InvestHK, Mr. Wong held various senior positions at a global leading consulting firm and a global Fortune 500 technology company specialising in corporate strategy and business development. Mr. Wong graduated from the University of Birmingham, the UK with First Class Honor Degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, a Master Degree in Commerce from the University of New South Wales, Australia and a Master of Science in Real Estate from the University of Hong Kong.  Mr. Wong is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) from The Institution of Engineering and Technology, the UK; and is a Member of the Certified Practicing Accounting, (CPA) Australia by training.

Mr. Andy Wong is the Head of Innovation and Technology at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government department responsible for attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment into Hong Kong.  His key focused technology segments include biotech, medical devices, healthcare, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new materials, and green technologies.  Mr. Wong has wealth strategy consulting and business development experience in high tech sector. Before joining InvestHK, Mr. Wong held various senior positions at a global leading consulting firm and a global Fortune 500 technology company specialising in corporate strategy and business development. Mr. Wong graduated from the University of Birmingham, the UK with First Class Honor Degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, a Master Degree in Commerce from the University of New South Wales, Australia and a Master of Science in Real Estate from the University of Hong Kong.  Mr. Wong is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) from The Institution of Engineering and Technology, the UK; and is a Member of the Certified Practicing Accounting, (CPA) Australia by training.

Ryan Ip, Vice President & Co-Head of Research, Our Hong Kong Foundation

Ryan Ip is a chartered surveyor and the Head of Land and Housing Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation. He is also a member of the Land and Development Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Government. Ryan Ip graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with first class honours, then received a Master of Science in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Before joining Our Hong Kong Foundation in 2017, he was an economist at Hong Kong Monetary Authority and a property analyst at JLL. Ryan was named the Young Surveyor of the Year by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at its Hong Kong Awards 2020. He is a frequent commentator of Hong Kong's real estate market at local and international media.

Ryan Ip is a chartered surveyor and the Head of Land and Housing Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation. He is also a member of the Land and Development Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Government. Ryan Ip graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with first class honours, then received a Master of Science in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Before joining Our Hong Kong Foundation in 2017, he was an economist at Hong Kong Monetary Authority and a property analyst at JLL. Ryan was named the Young Surveyor of the Year by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at its Hong Kong Awards 2020. He is a frequent commentator of Hong Kong's real estate market at local and international media.

Samuel Lai, Executive Director, Leasing Services – Industrial & Logistics Services, CBRE Hong Kong

Samuel Lai is the Executive Director of Leasing Services – Industrial & Logistics business in Hong Kong. Samuel has extensive experience in transacting industrial properties, mega leasing warehouses and project marketing. Samuel is extremely well regarded as a leader in the local market for his dedication and professionalism.

Samuel Lai is the Executive Director of Leasing Services – Industrial & Logistics business in Hong Kong. Samuel has extensive experience in transacting industrial properties, mega leasing warehouses and project marketing. Samuel is extremely well regarded as a leader in the local market for his dedication and professionalism.

Speakers

Tom Gaffney, President, North Asia, Advisory Services, CBRE

Tom Gaffney is the President of North Asia, Advisory Services, CBRE, with responsible for all of CBRE’s Advisory Services business activities in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Korea. Tom joined CBRE in 2016 as Managing Director for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. To CBRE, Tom brings broad experience across a variety of executive positions in investment, commercial transactions and advisory. He crossed from JLL where he held the position of Head of Retail, Hong Kong and mainland China and was a member of its Global Retail Board and co-chairman of Retail for Asia Pacific.

Tom joined CBRE in 2016 as Managing Director for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. To CBRE, Tom brings broad experience across a variety of executive positions in investment, commercial transactions and advisory. He crossed from JLL where he held the position of Head of Retail, Hong Kong and mainland China and was a member of its Global Retail Board and co-chairman of Retail for Asia Pacific.

Michael T. Smith, Chief Executive, Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

Michael Smith joined Hongkong Land as Chief Executive in April 2024. Mr Smith has extensive experience in international real estate and finance with a proven track record in investment and capital allocation. Prior to joining Hongkong Land, Mr Smith served as Regional CEO of Europe and USA for Mapletree Investments. Under Mr Smith’s leadership, the Europe and USA business grew to over a third of the group’s US$55b of assets under management. Mr Smith's 30-year career includes senior positions in the investment banking sector where he was a partner at Goldman Sachs, leading the bank’s Southeast Asia investment banking, as well as Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) real estate business. As one of the pioneers of Asia's REIT industry, Mr Smith played an instrumental role in numerous REIT listings including the Link REIT in HK, all four Mapletree REITs in Singapore and advised numerous other REITs and real estate companies across Asia Pacific.

Michael Smith joined Hongkong Land as Chief Executive in April 2024. Mr Smith has extensive experience in international real estate and finance with a proven track record in investment and capital allocation. Prior to joining Hongkong Land, Mr Smith served as Regional CEO of Europe and USA for Mapletree Investments. Under Mr Smith’s leadership, the Europe and USA business grew to over a third of the group’s US$55b of assets under management. Mr Smith's 30-year career includes senior positions in the investment banking sector where he was a partner at Goldman Sachs, leading the bank’s Southeast Asia investment banking, as well as Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) real estate business. As one of the pioneers of Asia's REIT industry, Mr Smith played an instrumental role in numerous REIT listings including the Link REIT in HK, all four Mapletree REITs in Singapore and advised numerous other REITs and real estate companies across Asia Pacific.