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Hong Kong will serve as a region-wide referral hub for the brand’s luxury real estate
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Location is the cornerstone of any smart property decision: get that right and the rest will surely follow. Which is why Christie’s International Real Estate viewed Hong Kong as a standout choice for its Asian regional headquarters.
Established last July, the business is located with the global auction house’s fine arts regional hub in Central. François Curiel, Christie’s Asian President, said the timing “couldn’t be better,” coming as it did on the back of the firm’s record-breaking spring art sales last year in Hong Kong.
“Throughout history, the greatest art collections have traditionally complemented the world’s most beautiful homes. As we continue to expand our art and auction business in Asia, it is a natural development to offer collectors an even larger range of services at the top end of the market,” Mr Curiel said.
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François Curiel, Christie’s President, Asia
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“The Asia-Pacific region has a passion for real estate that is unparalleled globally,” added Neil Palmer, CEO, Christie’s International Real Estate. He said Mitchell Lewis, appointed as Managing Director, Asia Pacific, “shares that passion and is uniquely qualified to deliver the level of client service that distinguishes our brand.”
Prime Location
Relocating from Munich last year to take up the position, Mr Lewis said Hong Kong’s prime location was compelling. “Being a financial and business hub, Hong Kong certainly made sense.”
It was important that Christie’s luxury property arm follow in the footsteps of its successful art business in Hong Kong, according to Mr Lewis. “Hong Kong is, without a doubt, our regional headquarters and really speaks to us as a brand. Christie’s International Real Estate felt this would put us in the best position to support and grow our franchises.”
The Hong Kong headquarters will serve as operational support for the franchise network planned throughout the Asia-Pacific. With access to so many high-net worth individuals in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, the office will also act as a referral hub.
Regional Ambitions
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Neil Palmer, CEO, Christie’s International Real Estate
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Mr Lewis foresees four or five franchises being awarded in the region in the next 12 to 18 months. “We are looking to roll out our franchise across all of the Asia-Pacific, of which Greater China plays a pivotal role.”
To that end, the firm is “working diligently to create our franchise offering, talking to leading real estate companies across the region. Everyone is overwhelmed by the association that comes with the brand,” he said.
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Mitchell Lewis, Managing Director, Asia Pacific
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Mr Lewis spoke of the need to be strategically flexible. “We need to be nimble: we could take the brand in a couple of directions. So right now, we are remaining open to what we think is going to be the best fit.”
Model of Efficiency
“Hong Kong is not new to me, as I grew up in this part of the world,” he said. But now that he’s living and working here, Mr Lewis is struck by the city’s vibrancy.
“It is naturally fast-paced. From a business perspective, everything happens in a way you don’t find to be as fluid anywhere else in the world.” Indeed, he would not be surprised if Christie’s International Real Estate looked at “recalibrating the speed at which our other regional offices operate, to keep up with what we are doing in Hong Kong.”
Related Link
Christie’s International Real Estate
