Winners 2011

The following Outstanding Individuals are the winners of the Asia-Wide awards for 2011. Click on their names for more information:

Real Estate Transactions – Eric Shek, Local Director, Jone Lang LaSalle China
Architecture – Yu Jordy Fu, Creative Director, dwp
Business Development – David Brown, Head of Lease Administration, Asia Pacific, Jones Lang LaSalle
Corporate Facility Leader – Tushar Prabhu, Account Director, Jones Lang LaSalle
Environmental Performance – Irving Steel, International Sales Manager, Etrilum (Currently)
Excellence in FM – Henry Han, Project Manager, CB Richard Ellis
Industry Champion – Matthias Gelber, Co-Founder, Maleki Green Building Products
Project Manager of the Year – Anthony Leigh, Senior Project Manager, EC Harris
RE Investment – Raymond Lee, CEO, Greater China, Savills
RE Strategy – Rajesh Gandhi, Group Executive Vice President- Country Head, INM (Corporate Real Estate), YES Bank

Real Estate Transactions – Eric Shek, Local Director, Jones Lang LaSalle China

One of the key projects for securing his success in this year’s awards is his involvement with transactions for Guangdong Development Bank (GDB).

The completion of GDB’s transactions opened the door for local corporations, particularly local banks, to Guangzhou's Grade A office market and consolidated Jones Lang LaSalle’s leading position in office leasing and sales. Furthermore, the GDB transaction became the example that led developers to attract big companies like Ernst & Young and General Motors through pre-leasing, helping offset the pressure brought by the Grade A office supply boom in Guangzhou.

With over ten years of solid experience in the Guangzhou and South China area office market, Eric Shek has consistently provided his clients with top-notch professional consultancy services for offices and commercial properties.

The work on this project started back in 2008, when GDB requested that Eric come up with a feasibility study for the bank's headquarters relocation. After working with the client for two years, Eric made a proposal to GDB recommending that it purchase five floors of office space totaling 11,160 sqm in Zhujiang New Town (new GZ CBD). This transaction, which was subsequently completed in 2010, generated a total fee of USD 540,000.

Shengfeng Wang, Assistant to Managing Director, Guangzhou Branch, Guangdong Development Bank, comments, “During this whole cooperation, Eric has served as a dependable real estate consultant, providing professional advice, clear procedures, and customized solutions. These series of quality services definitely helped our company to successfully purchase and relocate our office within the expected period.”

Architecture & Design – Jordy Fu, Creative Director, dwp

In 2010, Jordy was the design leader of the dwp team on the iconic 70,000sqm mixed use development for the top Chinese menswear brand Lilanz in Xiamen China. The project to be implemented in 2011-2012 will be the first creative complex of its kind that will promote art, design and fashion in a complex that will rival any similar mixed-use development. The creative center is built to realizing the dreams of the Lilanz brand, and will offer a platform for upcoming young designers.

Saeed Zaki, Managing Director for DWP said, “Jordy’s ability to amalgamate pure art in architecture design has led to creation of many iconic designs for dwp. Her ability to conceive space like no other designer creates built form of great beauty whilst maintaining their functionality. She is very adept at employing computer aided design tools and techniques to her creative skills. Never the one to say NO and never the one to give up on any challenging projects, Jordy in years to come will become a force to reckon with in the field of architecture and interior design.”

Jordy had her first solo exhibition at Beijing capital museum at age of five and her work was published into a book at age of six. Her work was published and exhibited worldwide including the London Design Museum, Venice Biennale etc. As a London Central Saint Martins College and Royal College of Art Graduate, Jordy has a unique understanding of brands, she specializes in transforming the dream and vision of a brand into sensational architecture and interior spaces. She used her artistic approach on commercial projects to deliver creative yet efficient design. At a young age of 28, Jordy has been remarkable in leading the designs of all the above listed projects. Jordy brought her passion in art and fashion into architecture and interior design, whilst inspiring the team and people who work with her.

Jordy’s other featured projects in 2010 include the renovation of Lilanz existing headquarters in Jinjiang, China; interior renovation of the prestigious No1 Bund, Shanghai; office interior concept for China’s top sports brand Anta; and 75 storey Hard Rock hotel Dubai. Presently Jordy is leading the architecture and interior design of the first concept hotel for the famous FTV, as well as the flagship retail store and furniture concepts. These projects are being created to bring the F brand to a new height.

Business Development – David Brown, Head of Lease Administration, Asia Pacific, Jones Lang LaSalle

In the four years from 2007 to 2010, David took Jones Lang LaSalle's Lease Administration business in Asia Pacific from a struggling service line to a market-leading regional service offering. His target was to move the business into profitability and deliver a significant bottom line by 2010. In the same year, this target was well exceeded, with an average margin improvement of 140% per year since 2007. The business has grown from five staff managing 2,000 leases for a handful of clients to a team of more than 70 managing 30,000 leases for over 50 clients.

When David assumed the role of Head of Lease Administration for Asia Pacific in 2006, the business was not yet fully mature. It required substantial investment in improving its operations, financial performance, and reputation both internally and externally. In 2007, goals were set to develop a smoother machine, increase market presence, support global and regional clients, and develop clients in the region. Some of the initiatives that David implemented during this time include:
•    Developing a financial management capability in Australia that produces significant savings for clients-savings far in excess of the Firm’s fees
•    Establishing two very strong multi-lingual Lease Administration hubs in Delhi and China
•    Expanding the service offering to cover equipment leases, which resulted in a groundbreaking project for European company, Whirlpool

John Forrest, CEO Corporate Solutions, Asia Pacific, Jones Lang LaSalle said, “David has built the Lease Administration business over the last four years. Today, it is a core component of our Corporate Solutions offering in Asia Pacific. One of the key reasons the business has done so well under his leadership has been his commitment to delivering on the promise to clients. This reputation of our Lease Administration business is evidenced in strong client satisfaction survey scores and the continued growth of our business in the region."

Corporate Facility Leader – Tushar Prabhu, Account Director, Jones Lang LaSalle

Over the past four years, Tushar has helped to facilitate the growth of the CA account. From the delivery of facilities and transactions services only within Asia Pacific, to availing the full suite of Jones Lang LaSalle’s business services in seven other countries.

Tushar’s achievements include the following:
•    Delivered CA's newest and greenest building in Hyderabad, the client's largest site globally, ahead of schedule and below budget
•    Generated USD 15 million in cost savings across facilities, projects, and transactions:
a) Facilities: USD 441,000, representing over 10% of the managed vendor spend through performance-based contracts and leveraging global providers
b) Projects: USD 780,000 from the Hyderabad Phase II project saved during testing and construction
c) Rental: USD 14.5 million from the disposal of surplus assets and subleases through proactive management of opportunities
•    Improved productivity, energy, and sustainability:
a) Long-term Capital Planning tool: web-based tool for a more informed decision making on capital planning, i.e. where to expand business or invest
b) Greener workplace: waste and carbon footprint reduction initiatives including installing a worm farm to break down food waste and implementing an improved shuttle bus program

Neil Taylor, VP, Administrative Services, Asia Pacific and Japan, CA Technologies said, “The CA Technologies-Jones Lang LaSalle partnership is a story driven by transparency, trust, and consistency. As a single point of contact, Tushar has been on the forefront of this growing relationship in Asia Pacific, consistently delivering excellent and timely service to CA and efficiently bridging effective communications among various stakeholders.”

Environmental Performance – Irving Steel, International Sales Manager, Etrilum (Currently)

During 2010, Irving spread awareness, built a community, and affected positive change for our industry. He used his unique job as both Account Manager and Environmental Champion at Tandus to be a beacon of hope for anything and everything sustainable.

Irving has been instrumental in helping several high profile clients reach LEED certification including HASSELL, B+H, Medtronic, EDG, and more. Going above and beyond, he has helped design firms and others to better understand LEED and follow through on their projects. He has helped his company continue to push sustainability by having the UL certify a minimum of 30% recycled content.

Irving has acted as the Green Leader in Shanghai and around China presenting on the topic of Opportunities with Sustainability to different companies like CBRE, JLL, DTZ, and more as well as conferences and events to lecture about the unique opportunities we have for sustainability.

The burgeoning community of Green Drinks China would not be possible without Irving. He has gone from making it a small, informal gathering to attracting crowds of over 100 people for this free, sustainability pushing event. He has launched the greendrinkschina.org webpage where free events and progress can be made for all. The list serve went from several hundred to thousands over the year.

Luis Keats, Associate Director at DTZ comments, “Irving is a great collaborator at all levels of business; all the way from facilitating introductions to the most relevant service providers down to the nitty-gritty details of project management and delivery of sustainable office solutions.”

Excellence in FM – Henry Han, Project Manager, CB Richard Ellis

Henry Han, as on-site project manager of CBRE property management team (CBRE) in Hongqiao Transportation Hub, had been providing consultancy works since its construction period. He proposed a pile of constructive and practical suggestions aiming to solve possible problems through engaging the client and managing time effectivly.  During the pre-completion period, Henry assisted assisted in setting up an excellent management team. He motivated and created enthusiasm amongst team members, h also coordinated and assisted them to play the most appropriate role in the team. These ensured that CBRE provided excellent service to both landlords and passengers at the West Square of Hongqiao Transportation Hub.

The owner, Shanghai Hong Qiao Traffic Hub Construction & Operation Co., Ltd, gave a very high evaluation for the management and service of the West Plaza. Due to the great contribution Hentry's team had made, the client nominated them as “Outstanding Team of Spring Festival security in Shanghai”. This award and certification was approved and issued by Shanghai Spring Festival Working Office.

Henry Ng, Director, Asset Services, CB Richard Ellis said, “Mr. Henry Han devoted his effort to ensure the service was delivered smoothly during the Expo period. He also raised the service level in the areas of customer service, cleaning and security regimes, which were consistently complained about by passengers in other railway stations and transportation hubs and remained problem areas in China for very long period.”

Industry Champion – Matthias Gelber, Co-Founder, Maleki Green Building Products

Matthias' role as the keynote speaker at the Green Solutions for Property Development in May 2010 being Malaysia's First Carbon Neutral Property Development Conference helped spurred the Malaysian property developers, architects, engineers and property consultants to go green and mitigate the climate change. The evidence is found in the increasing property developments incorporating more green features and also changing the market mindset.

Matthias Gelber is the co-founder of Maleki GmbH and was nominated “Greenest Person on the Planet in 2008. He is often invited to chair, moderate, represent as key guest speaker or trainer at public seminars, conferences and forums. Having the gift to capture and inspire his audience towards action, especially the younger generation, Matthias shares his personal life experiences with true stories from his own life which are both entertaining, practical and move towards action.

Matthias mission and vision to motivate the younger generation on the importance of going green or adopting sustainable practises daily to preserve our environment, the single planet we co-exist together; also to encourage today’s youth to pursuit their true calling in various aspects of their life; may it be education, career, business, or day to day activities towards cultivating a green lifestyle, particularly to those who have the passion to make a difference or contribute to the preservation of the natural environment.

Frank Furness, Former president of the European Professional Speakers Association said, “Matthias is one of the best speakers I've seen for a long time. His mix of information, entertainment, visual imagery and delivery style provides a powerful, entertaining and memorable message”.

Project Manager of the Year – Anthony Leigh, Senior Project Manager, EC Harris

After more than two years in planning, design and construction, the new HSBC Main Building Level 18 Global Banking and Markets Trading floor was opened for business on 20th September 2010 to positive reviews. The 26,000 sqf dealing room houses 421 traders and support staff. When Anthony picked up the project had been in design phase for two months.  Anthony quickly picked up the detail design phase and expedited this in order to go out to the market for tendering. One of the critical elements of the project was the trading desk and its associated cooling technology. Anthony immediately got involved and openly led the process to select the water cooled trading desk supplier.

Once the tenders were returned, the successful contractors and suppliers were given the green light, the project had a short timeframe in which to complete construction and the floor was successfully delivered to a stage ready for the IT installation in less than six months. This fast track-build required contractors to work day and night in a live environment whilst abiding by stringent safety and noise controls. Anthony worked hard to ensure the project kept moving at pace while also balancing the construction with sufficient safety, noise and risk controls.

Anthony always handled the numerous changes to the layouts until late into the build stages requested by the business, he was very clear on cost and time impacts of the change and ensuring all parties were informed about these.

Jim Pennel, Project Director for EC Harris comments, “The primary challenge of this project is fitting 21st century technology into a 1980’s building although the building was conceived by one of the world’s leading visionary architects it is unlikely he would have anticipated a 400+seat water cooled trading floor. It is a great testament to Anthony’s multiskill set that he created the role of lynchpin orchestrating the opportunities and limitations of the existing historic building, bringing into play his extensive experience in delivering trading floors all over Asia, carefully managing the risks in constructing within a live Global headquarters and providing the infrastructure to enable all the market data and communications can be delivered resiliently and faultlessly to each desk. The result delivered on time with 100% functionality is rightly heralded as the best trading floor in Asia.”

RE Investment – Raymond Lee, CEO, Greater China, Savills

Under Raymond’s leadership and his executive team, Savills made significant achievements in Asia in Hong Kong alone, with transactions over HK$25 billion of property in 2010, a record performance representing 41 per cent of the Group revenue.  Raymond managed to sustain growth against fierce competition and unprecedented economic environment.   One of the significant successes was the transaction done in June in 2010 for Manulife Tower in North Point that was worth HK$2.25 billion.

In addition to brokering deals, he remains a hands-on manager, leading the culture of Savills and guiding by his vigilance and commitment in line with the vision that has proven to be foundational to the success to date.  Being appointed as the CEO of Greater China in January 2011, Raymond is eager to incorporate the successful strategies used in Hong Kong and apply to China’s market and transform it into a vision that illuminates every part of what Savills does.   He is determined to leverage Savills’ international and professional network to ensure unmatched level of service so as to deepen the relationship with key clients.

Raymond is regarded as an inspiration to everyone he meets, be it staff, clients or prospective customers.  He has an energy and vision not only in the real estate market but also for life, that lifts the spirits of staff and enables them to be the best they can be.

Frank Marriott, Head of Real Estate Capital Markets, Asia Pacific, said, “I have worked very closely with Raymond and I confide his client-orientation approach and excellent negotiation skills which are appreciated by both his staff members and his clients.  His strong passion in the industry has brought him to where he is now.”

“Apart from being a strong leader in both management and sales sides, Raymond is an outstanding mentor and it is his mentoring that started me on a very productive real estate career.” Maggie Chu, Senior Director, Commercial Leasing, Hong Kong commented.

RE Strategy – Rajesh Gandhi, Group Executive Vice President- Country Head, INM (Corporate Real Estate), YES Bank

Rajesh’s achievements of success can be highlighted by the followings:
•    Successfully navigated the profile of the Bank in less than 6 years from a Greenfield bank to now as a most preferred tenant. The fact was externally certified by Bank receiving Occupier of the Year 2010- India organized by Property Week UK subsidiary. More than 100 top MNC & domestic corporate’s participated in the same.

•    Strategic and best use of the covenant as a Bank: A heavily designed relationship model guaranteed intra-convertibility of landlord into banking relationships and vice versa. The defined external stakeholders/vendors growth plans and performance metrics ensured a fast paced & risk managed expansion. Also the approach made sure that landlords/vendors engagement with the bank continues in an auto-mode through the period of the lease eradicating the frictional/sensitive issues of rent reviews and any potential litigation. Created and developed an agile pool of regional and local vendors spread across multiple cities. Followed an unconventional way of non-standardized contracts which helped structuring and retaining the flexibility of agreements best adapted to the sub geographical characteristic

•    Firmed up the holistic Corporate Real Estate Strategy (including financial inclusion) for the Bank till 2015. Three months ahead of beginning of the Version 2 for the bank.

The reason for selecting Rajesh as this year’s award winner is his creative and courageous use of leveraging experience and the network. Rajesh was early on to understand that Corporate Real Estate Strategy could not be formulated in isolation or be a by-product of the Corporate Strategy. This understanding was clearly demonstrated to the management and accordingly the function gained trust to be under direct sponsorship of the CEO