Ivanhoé Cambridge Asia Pacific co-head bags SBR Management Excellence Awards

George Agethen’s dedication to ESG sets a remarkable example for the real estate industry, proving that profitability and sustainability are interwoven.

George Agethen, the Asia Pacific co-head of real estate investment firm Ivanhoé Cambridge, took home the Executive of the Year - Real Estate category win at the SBR Management Excellence Awards for his leadership and strategic foresight that have significantly
contributed to the company’s success in the region.

Since his arrival in 2015, the company’s strategic growth in the region has surged, with its APAC portfolio growing to represent 9% of the global portfolio by the end of 2022. In line with Ivanhoé Cambridge’s global strategy, George Agethen prioritised three key areas for further growth: boosting growth in thriving sectors, such as residential, logistics, life sciences, and alternatives; investing in modernisation and innovation; and incorporating ESG across all actions.

Over the past two years, George Agethen’s team completed numerous transactions, with nearly C$0.9 billion in assets sold and over C$4.2 billion in new investments and developments across APAC, supported by expanded teams in Singapore and Sydney. This activity was primarily driven by the residential, industrial, and alternative sectors, with investments structured in ways including separate accounts, co-investments, funds, pre-IPOs, listed companies, and REITs.

In the past year alone, George Agethen led a partnership with Mapletree wherein a groundbreaking C$2.5 billion investment platform emerged, developing tech-focused workplaces in India’s vital economic hubs. His efforts also allowed the company to lead a A$300 million project in transforming Younghusband Woolstores into a sustainable hub in Kensington, Melbourne.

In APAC’s office, technology and life sciences sector, the company continues to invest in cutting-edge workspaces, catering to knowledge enhancement, and data centres. Ivanhoé Cambridge’s life sciences investments are highly sought after, offering strong returns and growth potential. 

In the logistics sector, George Agethen has also expanded Ivanhoé Cambridge’s portfolio across APAC, focusing on highly efficient properties with very high ESG standards.

One of George Agethen’s strategic priorities is strengthening Ivanhoé Cambridge’s presence in the residential sector by capitalising on growing demographics and rising rents, addressing the shortage of affordable housing in prime locations. His ambitious strategy focuses on innovative solutions for urban regeneration and enhanced tenant experiences.

“George Agethen is a strong and exemplary leader in the Asia Pacific real estate industry. In a diverse region like Asia Pacific, he displays depth of understanding of individual markets, and breadth of knowledge across the value chain. He continues to drive change with his foresight to pursue emerging ideas, and leadership in important topics like sustainability and inclusion,” said Scott Kim, CEO for PIMCO Prime Real Estate, as a testimony of George Agethen’s excellence as a leader.

The SBR Management Excellence Awards is an esteemed awards programme dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of leaders, innovators, teams, and initiatives that drive growth and make a positive impact on both the business operations and its workforce.

The SBR Management Excellence Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].