Michael Atwell, a leading EMEA real estate executive, is joining CBRE on July 16, 2012 as Head of Capital Markets for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), based in Poland. In this role, he will be in charge of property investment transactions across the region.
Atwell brings to CBRE more than 22 years of experience in the real estate market, most recently as Partner and Head of Cushman & Wakefield's Middle East operations based in Dubai and Bahrain. Atwell joins a CBRE team that is currently under offer on over 1 billion worth of assets.
Prior to his role in the Middle East, Atwell spent nine years in CEE in Hungary and Poland, rising to the role of Head of Capital Markets for Poland and CEE at Cushman & Wakefield. During that time he was involved in some of the highest profile transactions in the region, including both the Metropolitan and Warsaw Trade Tower sales in Warsaw, and the Casino (Géant hypermarket) portfolio. His regionally diverse experience gives Atwell a unique perspective on CEE markets today, that will now be applied to lead Capital Markets for CBRE in the region.
Total commercial property investment activity in CEE amounted to 2.1 billion in the first half of 2012. With an agent market share of around 30% (excluding Eastern Europe) CBRE is one of the clear market leaders in investment advisory to local and international clients across the region.
CEE consistently comes among the top three regions in terms of investor preferences at both global and European level (CBRE Investor Intentions Survey 2011 and 2012). As investor interest spreads to a wider range of countries, and into regional cities, investors are increasingly looking for knowledge of and access to multiple markets across the region.
CBRE's CEE cross-border investment team fulfills clients' needs for a complete regional perspective, linked into a wider global network, and works with the company's local capital market specialists to deliver complete advice and execution services.
Atwell succeeds Patrick O'Gorman, who is returning to CBRE's London office to take up the role in the Central London Investment team following four years in the CEE role.
Andreas Ridder, Chairman Central & Eastern Europe, CBRE, commented: "With CEE on the radar screen of a large proportion of global investors these days, we are committed to offering the best expertise to clients considering the opportunities these markets present. We are delighted to welcome such a high-caliber individual as Michael to our team to further grow our market-leading capital markets business. Let me also thank Patrick for his great contribution to the market success of CBRE and our clients in the region during the last four years."
Michael Atwell, Head of Capital Markets for Central and Eastern Europe, CBRE, said: "It is fantastic to see the growth that CEE has experienced in the last decade. With the infrastructure leap the countries of the region have made, the region is increasingly attractive for global investors seeking high potential locations. I am excited to be joining CBRE and look forward to supporting our international clients in building successful investment strategies here in CEE."
Source: CBRE
