COLLIERS International has appointed Michael Bate to lead its national retail business.
Bate will assume the role of national director – retail following an extensive industry search, according to Colliers chief executive – Australia John Kenny.
He has more than two decades experience in the retail sector, having previously held senior management positions at Stockland, Lend Lease (Retail) and Jones Lang LaSalle’s shopping centre division.
Bate is the third prominent industry executive to be attracted to the company in as many months.
Recently James Quigley and Doug Henry joined the team, as national director of institutional clients, CET and national director of corporate solutions respectively.
Kenny said the triple appointments over the last three months underpin the agency’s confidence in future growth and belief in appointing premium talent to accelerate its clients’ success.
Recently Lachlan McGillivray as promoted to national director to manage retail investment services. He will relocate to Sydney from Melbourne in early 2012. He has sold in excess of $300 million of retail shopping centres around Australia this year alone including Melbourne’s Point Cook Town Centre for $176 million and Stockland Lilydale for $37 million.
Bate said the current retail climate is challenging and the next 12 months will provide the opportunity to guide clients though the property cycle so they emerge in a strong position and ready for any future economic upswing.
“The reporting season for some of Australia’s most prominent REITs has highlighted the market’s uncertain situation and an expected tough second half of 2011.
“Consumer sentiment and confidence will be the two critical issues facing all retailers in the short term. Quality property management coupled with lower vacancies will provide essential cash flow for most retail owners as they prepare for continuing volatility in the market,” he said.
Australian Property Journal
