GLOBAL real estate advisory Pembroke has appointed Jo-Ann Hawkings to lead its Australian business as it actively seeks commercial office buildings to expand its portfolio.
As the new regional director of Australia, Hawkings is responsible for Pembroke’s asset management and development activities, identifying growth opportunities for the business and leading the local team.
She joins from Dexus where she spent the past six years working across transactions, asset and funds management, with experience spanning strategic financial analysis, asset and portfolio management, leasing and capital markets.
“I’m thrilled to join Pembroke, a company that is significantly investing in its team. I am excited to help the business grow and drive quality, hands-on asset management in Australia. Following the successful redevelopment of the iconic T&G Building in Melbourne, I’m also looking forward to working with the team as we embark on the potential future repositioning of 70 Eagle St, Brisbane,” Hawkings said.
Hawkings appointment is part of Pembroke’s new regional leadership model after Matthew Knight, who previously led the Australian team, relocated to London to take on the newly created role of vice president, European development.
“Australia is leading the way in creating workplaces of the future, and I’m looking forward to sharing our insights and knowledge with the European market. I’m very pleased to welcome Jo-Ann to Pembroke and I know the Australian business will continue to grow in her capable hands,” Knight said.
Pembroke has also bolstered the leadership team in the Asia-Pacific region. Akira Shimizu has been appointed head of Asia Pacific. After relocating to the Pembroke Stockholm office in 2016, where he became the head of the Nordics, Shimizu has returned to Tokyo and will oversee Pembroke’s Japan and Australian portfolio and business operations.
Gordon Hatton, who was part of the team delivering Pembroke’s redevelopment of the iconic T&G Building in Melbourne, has been appointed vice president of Asia Pacific development and will work closely with Hawkings on future Australian developments.
Pembroke said it is currently looking to expand its finance team in Australia, as well as actively seek new opportunities to expand its portfolio of well-located commercial office buildings across the country.
