New Chair to focus on growing the association's membership across the China region
SHANGHAI, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- CoreNet Global, the world's largest association for professionals in the corporate real estate sector, today announced the appointment of Mr. Martin Ecknig as the new Chair of its China Chapter with immediate effect.
Mr. Ecknig is a corporate real estate (CRE) practitioner who has been in the industry for more than 25 years, ten of which he has been spent in Asia. Aside from his position at CoreNet Global, he serves as the Senior Vice President Siemens Ltd., China and General Manager of Siemens Real Estate, where he is responsible for overseeing and managing the company's North East Asia CRE portfolio.
Commenting on his appointment as the new Chair of CoreNet Global's China Chapter, Mr. Ecknig said, "I am delighted to take up the role as Chair of the association's China Chapter. A prominent association such as CoreNet Global is more important than ever in helping to improve the awareness, professionalism and standards of strategic CRE practice and management in emerging markets such as China."
Mr. Ecknig takes over the China chairmanship at a time when the mainland is quickly establishing itself as not only an economic powerhouse, but a nation that is likely to be one of the greatest beneficiaries when it comes to ground-breaking commercial real estate projects and developments in the future.
China attracted the most real estate investment in the world for a second straight year with nearly USD 200 billion last year - up more than 23% from 2009.
Mr. Ecknig points out that a priority of his two-year term will be to focus on increasing CoreNet Global's membership throughout the mainland, including encouraging local members to become more actively involved in the organization's activities.
"As such, I look forward to working with our member companies, fellow trade associations and other experts in the local CRE industry to explore new ways in which we can increase the level of support for China's growing corporate real estate community."
Mr. Ecknig also said that a major part of CoreNet Global's plans will be to continue delivering high quality educational and networking programs designed to facilitate the professional advancement of its China members.
"This whole effort will be supported by a number of new initiatives and improvements that we are introducing across China this year, including the introduction of an Accelerated Master of Corporate Real Estate program, more networking events, new industry research, plus additional business development opportunities".
"I am also eager to further raise the profile of CoreNet Global in the market locally," says Mr. Ecknig. "Similarly, the prospect of hosting one of our association's regional summits in China, possibly in 2013, will be at the top of my agenda."
In welcoming Mr. Ecknig, CoreNet Global's Vice President of Global Member & Component Relations, Ms. Melanie Hill said, "We are delighted to have Martin take up this important role in China. The mainland has been identified as a key growth area for CoreNet Global and we look forward to having Martin involved in shaping our association's growth in this market."
With regards to its membership, Ms. Hill notes that the association is growing at an annualized rate of 20% per annum, with China expected to be one of the strongest growth areas in coming years.
"Subsequently, Martin brings extensive experience of the CRE business and a strong network in China. He is not only a great role model for our profession, but will no doubt prove instrumental in helping us expand our membership in this region."
Editor's Notes
CoreNet Global is the world's leading association for corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace professionals, service providers, and economic developers.
Our 7,000 members, who include 70% of the top 100 U.S. companies and nearly half of the Global 2000, meet locally, globally and virtually to develop networks, share knowledge, learn and thrive professionally.
For more information, please visit www.corenetglobal.org.
CONTACT:
Betty Chan, CoreNet Global
Phone: +852-2910-7931
Mobile: +852-6014-1961
bchan@corenetglobal.org
Janet Middlemiss, JEM Worldwide Ltd.
Phone: +852-2857-3832
Mobile: +852-9195-7829
janet@jemworldwide.com
