CBRE strengthens its cross-border retail team

International property services firm CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has announced a series of appointments to strengthen its cross-border retail team in Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), in response to growing retailer demand for strategic advice on their international expansion plans.

Jose Luis Martin joined CBRE from shopping centre owner and developer Riofisa. Martin, previously based in Spain, will focus on retail development and leasing across the EMEA region. He spent four years at Riofisa in a similar role, concentrating on the CEE region.

Joel Stephen, currently part of the EMEA cross-border retail team and based in London, will move to CBRE's Shanghai office to work within the Chinese retail services team. He will be responsible for tenant representation services, focusing on international retailers expanding throughout China.

David Close, currently working within CBRE's Central London retail team, will work alongside Peter Gold, head of EMEA's Cross-Border Retail team, in a dedicated client role designed to support consistency and cross-border implementation for clients across a diverse European landscape.

'Despite the uncertain economic outlook, many retailers are optimistic about the next few years and continue to strategically expand into new markets,' said Malcolm Dalgleish, chairman of EMEA Retail at CBRE.