US private equity giant KKR has hired real estate veteran John Pattar to head its real estate business in Asia-Pacific.
Pattar, the long-time head of CLSA Real Estate, part of CLSA Capital Partners in Hong Kong, will work alongside the firm’s regional investment teams and leadership to source attractive real estate investment opportunities across Asia-Pacific.
He will also assist Asian clients in partnering with KKR to access real estate opportunities globally.
Pittar was instrumental in setting up a joint venture with Mitsubishi Estate with CLSA last year.
Ralph Rosenbeg, head of KKR Real Estate, said: “Asia-Pacific is a crucial part of our global real estate strategy given the attractive growth and demographic drivers found in markets across the region.
“Furthermore, we are focused on continuing to enhance our connectivity with Asian investors seeking to partner with KKR real estate in the United States and Europe.
“We see great opportunity to continue scaling our real estate platform, and we are thrilled that John will lead KKR through the next phase of our growth.”
Ming Lu, head of KKR Asia, said: “Real estate is a compelling and growing asset class for KKR in Asia Pacific.
“There is a wide-ranging need for financing and restructuring solutions for properties across the region, and for assisting corporations in unlocking the value of their real estate portfolios.
“By leveraging John’s extensive experience, network and operating capabilities, we are well-positioned to source differentiated investment opportunities and to uniquely provide capital solutions to our local partners.”
Since 2011, KKR has committed approximately US$2bn (€1.7bn) in equity and debt across more than 40 real estate transactions in Asia Pacific markets – including Australia, China, India, Singapore and South Korea.
