Interview: Mr. Nicholas Wong, Principal, The Townsend Group

The Townsend Group was founded in 1983 by Mr. Terry Ahern and Mr. Kevin Lynch on the premise of providing uncompromised and unbiased real estate investment advice to institutional investors worldwide. Headquartered in Cleveland, it is the largest specialty real estate investment consulting firm in the industry.
In addition to Mr. Ahern and Mr. Lynch, the team is comprised of 52 real estate professionals, including 31 Principals, Consultants and Associates and a dedicated research initiative. Townsend provides global property investment counsel to more than 85 clients on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis, representing real estate allocations in excess of $100 billion. Its clients include public pension funds, corporations, foundations, endowments, financial institutions and Taft-Hartley plans ranging from $300 million to over $130 billion in total plan assets.
Early this year, the company opened its first office in Asia, located in Hong Kong and appointed Mr. Nicholas Wong, former managing director Asia Pacific of ING Real Estate Select, as principal to focus on business development and investment underwriting in the region. Prior to joining ING in November 2007, he had held senior positions in real estate investment and commercial banking, as well as listed securities analysis. He has been in real estate investment and finance for 22 years with the past 16 years in Asia, having started his career in the US as an appraiser.
“We already have $3.2 billion invested in the region and will focus on business development and investment underwriting in the region. The real estate investment strategies currently available in the Asia Pacific markets are unique in their ability to bring true growth opportunities to global investors,” he said.
Townsend’s global scale and its expertise in manager selection will ensure that the company will be able to offer investors wishing to enter these markets insights into the region that would be difficult to match elsewhere, he noted.
His team is responsible for finding best in class funds/managers and undertakes terms negotiation, due diligence and subsequent investment management, as well as business development in Asia Pacific.
“The Townsend Group is an employee-owned private company. Since 1986, when we earned our first retainer client, our exclusive focus has been providing best-in-class institutional real estate consulting services. We recognized early on that real estate as an accepted institutional investment asset class would grow not only in size but also in complexity. As a result, we structured our company to be prepared for the coming changes,” he said.
Mr. Wong noted that the company began by establishing a dedicated research initiative which has been under the direction of its current Director of Research since 1989. It further broadened the breadth and depth of the team by adding the founders of two other institutional real estate consulting groups, and complementing the team with other key individuals with experience in law, finance, accounting, banking, real estate development, asset management, property management, research and academia.
As a result, Townsend has the most experienced and multi-disciplined staff in the industry. The quality, stability and depth of the team, their commitment to the development of the finest resources, capabilities in investment manager and product selection, and zealous client advocacy resulted in its consulting model being favored by the institutional plan sponsor community.
“We offer both discretionary and non-discretionary consulting services to our clients. Discretionary clients have further entrusted The Townsend Group with the increased fiduciary responsibility associated with the selection of investments subject to Townsend’s discretion without the additional process of going through the clients’ internal investment approval process. Townsend’s basic services are similar in both discretionary and non-discretionary mandates, but the primary differences typically reside in which party retains the authority for ultimate approval of investments,” he said.
In addition to the depth, stability and experience of the professional, the company offers other areas of expertise and experience relevant to clients.
“Given our extensive knowledge of and familiarity with providing consulting services to public pension funds, we are familiar with the issues facing larger public plan investors in real estate, including designing and implementing strategies across multiple sectors in the private and public markets, investing in wholly-owned properties through separate accounts, and developing investment guidelines and procedures.”
Speaking on the Korean market, he noted that Townsend has historically invested in the region and finds that it has a very attractive client base.
A couple of months ago Korea's National Pension Service, the world's fifth-largest pension fund, committed to invest $300 million in troubled real estate through Townsend Group, in a separately managed account. It primarily will focus on snapping up stakes in distressed private-equity real-estate funds and recapitalizing these funds.
The move by NPS, with more than $250 billion in assets, comes as a growing number of opportunistic investors are buying into troubled property funds in deals that give them a steady return and potentially a share in the profit when real-estate markets rebound, he said.
That aside, he finds China and Japan to be the most promising markets in the region. While China is a growth story, with a booming middle class, although Japan has a greying population, there are a lot of distressed ownership of assets in the market.
As for the challenges for the group, he said there is still a lot of uncertainty about the global economy. The company is looking at getting more risk exposure across the region.

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Interview: Mr. Edward Casal, Chief Investment Officer, Global Real Estate Multi-Manager Group, Aviva Investors

Aviva Investors is a global asset management business and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aviva plc, the world's fifth-largest insurance group and a world leader in financial services.
The company’s real estate team, based in New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Singapore and Melbourne is made up of over 170 people, of whom about 95 are investment professionals, including fund managers, asset managers, strategists, researchers and property finance experts.
It currently manage global real estate assets in excess of of $33 billion and already has extensive holdings in Europe as well as a growing presence in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Of this, more than $6 billion has been invested through multi-manager strategies making it one of the largest global real estate multi-manager investors.
As noted by Mr. Edward Casal, Chief Investment Officer, Global Real Estate Multi-Manager Group, Aviva Investors, the company has been highly active over the past few years, expanding its range of funds and widening the client base.
“We have invested worldwide and on behalf of leading corporations, public pension funds, and other institutional clients, building one of the longest track records in the industry. We seek superior risk-adjusted returns for our clients by creating broadly diversified and actively managed private real estate portfolios,” he said.
Mr. Casal has spent over 20 years undertaking real estate transactions on behalf of institutional investors, industrial corporations and REITs while working at Goldman, Sachs & Co., Dillon, Read & Co, and UBS. In total, he has originated and executed in excess of $20 billion of real estate transactions including both entity-level and real estate property-level transactions. Immediately prior to joining Aviva Investors, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Madison Harbor Capital, a real estate multi-manager firm he co-founded in 2003.
He is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Pension Real Estate Association. He is also Chairman of Madison Harbor Balanced Strategies, Inc., an SEC-Registered real estate fund of funds.
Mr. Casal noted that his current team is one of the largest dedicated real estate multi-manager groups in the industry with investment professionals based in New York, London and Singapore.
“We provide local market expertise and manage relationships throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our global investment committee, comprised of members from each region, assures consistency in the approach and execution of our strategy.”
The real estate team is based in London, Paris, Singapore, Dublin, Frankfurt and New York. The global team is made up of 180 people, including 90 investment professionals, including fund managers, asset managers, strategists, researchers and property finance experts. Mr. Casal’s team is one of the largest dedicated real estate multi-manager groups in the industry with investment professionals based in New York, London and Singapore.
The group has a comprehensive range of products and services, offering real estate investors a unique combination of strengths: significant scale, impressive people, a comprehensive product range, excellent service and an outstanding reputation for innovation.
For institutional clients of scale, the group has created segregated portfolios by investing in a range of real estate ventures. These portfolios are customized reflecting the client’s individual objectives with respect to risk and return, geographic sector allocations and cash flow requirements.
“Aviva Investors has extensive capabilities with commingled investment vehicles. We seek to design portfolios with the core objective of consistently achieving superior risk-adjusted returns for our investors on a highly diversified basis,” he said.
Based on their view of the appropriate strategies for economic conditions, the group seeks to invest in newly-formed real estate ventures sponsored by managers with strong trace records that our experience and research suggest are best-suited to achieve our goals.
“Further, we seek to design a portfolio that ensures appropriate diversification with respect to geography, strategy, manager, property and asset type, capital structure, duration and asset lifecycle,” he said.
Aviva Investors is also a discreet and fast moving buyer of secondary interests in private equity real estate. The team looks at opportunities of all types and in all locations across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Mr. Casal also noted that the private equity real estate secondary market offers opportunities to acquire specified assets that are well advanced in the investment program. A secondary transaction involves the purchase of one or more limited partnerships or similar interests from the original investor, providing that investor with liquidity.
Speaking on the main challenges, he said that while global growth is rebounding from the depths of the financial crisis, uncertainty regarding the medium-term direction of the global economy is significant, as the fiscal imbalances remain unresolved.
“We continue to structure investment portfolios with the underlying assumption that the developed economies will fluctuate as deleveraging pressures in both the private and government sectors create strong headwinds against relatively strong business financial
conditions. Therefore, relatively conservative investment strategies are warranted. The emerging markets have shown very strong recoveries, but we have to be cautious due to the risk of overheating.”
Accordingly, he said that real estate investing activity in the developed world should remain tilted toward defensive strategies rather than aggressive growth oriented objectives. Even within
emerging markets, growth expectations must be undertaken only with a rigorous value exercise in order to avoid disappointing investment results due to premium pricing driven by excessive
weight of capital overwhelming thin investment markets.
The real estate universe is vast and includes many assets with income-producing characteristics that reduce risk. Real estate investment should appeal strongly to investors during a prolonged period of uncertainty and risk-aversion, in particular because investment strategies can be devised to capitalize on many of real estate’s innate defensive qualities.
“Our investing strategy reflects this multi-speed view of the world, with a defensive bias. While in all markets value investing predominates, in the developed markets we continue to avoid development risk and strategies dependent on a robust consumer discretionary spending, and continue to participate in recapitalizations of real estate ownership vehicles.”
In the emerging world, growth strategies can be tolerated, particularly those that address continued urbanization and growth of middle class wealth. Nevertheless, it is imperative to remain cautious and vigilant regarding valuation bubbles in formation, he said.
Mr. Casal noted that Asia is a large opportunity for the company, having invested in the region for only 3 years now. This year, plans are to expand investments in Australia, Japan, Korea, China , Singapore, Hong Kong and India. The main client targets are cash rich- time poor investors.
“We provide local market expertise and manage relationships throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our global investment committee, comprised of members from each region, assures consistency in the approach and execution of our strategy,” he said.

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Interview: Ms. Claribel B. David, Vice President, WFTO

The World Fair Trade Organization represents Fair Traders from grassroots through to the G8 and is the authentic voice of Fair Trade, having driven the movement for 20 years. It is the only global network whose members represent the Fair Trade chain from production to sale.
The WFTO is a global authority on Fair Trade, with a vision of a world in which trade structures and practices have been transformed to work in favour of the poor and promote sustainable development and justice. Membership of the WFTO is limited to organizations that demonstrate a 100% Fair Trade commitment and apply its 10 Principles of Fair Trade. WFTO members who are monitored against these Principles are listed in the Fair Trade 100 index of world-leading Fair Trade brands, businesses and organizations.
As noted by Ms. Claribel B. David, Vice President, WFTO, the main aim of the organization is to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people in developing countries by linking and strengthening organizations that offer just alternatives to unfair trade structures and practices.
“Our members come together in solidarity and mutual cooperation to create an alternative and fairer way of doing business. WFTO is a global network that promotes fair trade and provides a forum for the exchange of information to help members increase benefits to producers,” she said.
She noted that Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialog, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
“Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialog, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in developing countries.”
Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
The WFTO members share the following practices: commitment to Fair Trade; transparency; ethical issues; working conditions; equal employment opportunities; concern for people; concern for environment; respect for producers’ cultural identity; and education/advocacy.
All members, reflect in their structures, a commitment to justice, fair employment, public accountability and progressive work practices. They also ensure a safe working environment that satisfied at a minimum all local statutory regulations and oppose discrimination and ensure equality of employment opportunities for both men and women who suffer from the exploitation of their labour and the effects of poverty and racial, cultural or gender bias.
In this context, she pointed out that there are different organizations working to promote fair trade practice and policy, through product certification, advocacy, campaigning and educational work.
Fairtrade describes the labelling system controlled by Fairtrade Labelling Organisations (FLO) International and national partners in different countries. The FAIRTRADE Mark appears on products that meet Fairtrade standards and come from Fairtrade producer organizations.
Product standards have so far been developed for 17 food and non‐food products, ranging from coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa, rice, and fruit to flowers, cotton and sportballs. The product standards specify the minimum price and premium as well as other product‐specific requirements.
The WFTO logo on the other hand is for organizations who demonstrate a 100% commitment to Fair Trade in all their business activities. Only monitored WFTO members are authorized to use the logo. Launched in 2004 at the World Social Forum in India, the logo shows that an organisation follows the WFTO's Principles.
The logo is not a product mark - it is used to brand organizations that are committed to 100% Fair Trade. It sets them apart from commercial as well as other Fair Trade businesses, and provides a clear signal to retailers, partners, governments and donors that their core activity is Fair Trade.
In that sense, both the WFTO logo and the FLO logo are complementary and not in competition, she said.

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Interview: Mr. Christian Schindler, General Manager Korea, Lufthansa German Airlines,

Lufthansa German Airlines' representation in Korea began in 1966 with the signing of a General Sales Agency agreement between Lufthansa and Hyopsung Shipping. However, it was not until November 1984 that Lufthansa commenced its own flight services, flying from Seoul via Anchorage to Frankfurt.

Since then, as noted by Mr. Christian Schindler, General Manager Korea, Lufthansa German Airlines, the company has grown as a major partner in Korea's air-travel sector. Currently it offers a total of 11 weekly flights between Korea and Europe with six weekly flights on the Seoul-Frankfurt route and five weekly flights on the Busan-Munich route (via Seoul).
“Today, we are the largest European airline on the Korean market and are enjoying a growing number of Korean customers. We are also the only European carrier to operate from Busan, he told Infomag.
It also helps that Lufthansa is a founding member of the world's largest aviation network, Star Alliance, which has 28 international airline partners including Asiana Airlines, connecting six continents.
Mr. Schindler joined Lufthansa in 1991, being assigned the networking planning manager for domestic and Benelux passenger services, and as network planning manager and coordinator for the Munich Hub. In 1998, he became business partnership manager and in 2001 was promoted to global corporSince then, as noted by Mr. Christian Schindler, General Manager Korea, Lufthansa German Airlines, the company has grown as a major partner in Korea's air-travel sector. Currently it offers a total of 11 weekly flights between Korea and Europe with six weekly flights on the Seoul-Frankfurt route and five weekly flights on the Busan-Munich route (via Seoul).
“Today, we are the largest European airline on the Korean market and are enjoying a growing number of Korean customers. We are also the only European carrier to operate from Busan, he said.
It also helps that Lufthansa is a founding member of the world's largest aviation network, Star Alliance, which has 28 international airline partners including Asiana Airlines, connecting six continents.
Mr. Schindler joined Lufthansa in 1991, being assigned the networking planning manager for domestic and Benelux passenger services, and as network planning manager and coordinator for the Munich Hub. In 1998, he became business partnership manager and in 2001 was promoted to global corporate key account manager. Since 2004, he was general manager of Morocco until being assigned to Korea last year.
The airlines' success can be largely attributed to the fact that it has localized its operations to cater better to the Korean customers, he said.
Lufthansa provides a choice of Korean cuisine, including bibimbab, cup noodles with kimchi and red-pepper paste as well as a wide selection of beverages including beer and wine.
First and Business Class passengers can indulge themselves in the new Star Chef menus created by Chef Park Hyo-nam of the Millennium Seoul Hilton with wines specially selected by the World's Master of Sommeliers, Markus Del Monego.
Other amenities include various Korean magazines and video/audio entertainment offerings, all tailored for Korean travelers. Upon arrival at Frankfurt and Munich Airports, a ``Korean Welcome Service'' is provided with Korean personnel on hand to meet and greet travelers and assist them with all their needs and information.
We are considered to be the most Korean of all European carriers that fly from here. Moreover, our strong brand and large network of connections makes us the preferred choice of flight,he said.
While the economic slump last year did affect operational revenues, 2010 is expected see a strong rebound. More so, since the Korean economy has displayed an amazing recovery on the back of strong exports.
Speaking on the challenges that foreign carrier face in Korea, he noted that language is a major issue. It is very important to cater to the local needs to meet the various demands of korean customers. For this reason, Lufthansa has deployed many websites and link sites in Korean offering specialized services and has been providing a variety of online promotions for the Korean and foreign customers.
“We see the Internet as the future. Within the next five years, 3 out of every 4 passengers will use the Internet for their travel. The market is seeing a big shift, with more and more people moving towards web portals. This is the worldwide trend, and we hope to doubled our share of web presence.
The strategy is to offer competitive pricing, with attractive high end products. The airline is therefore averse to scaling down its services. It guarantees that economy class pasenger can book seats, special meals with alcoholic drinks all for free and at very competiitve prices.
In this context he noted that the budget carriers do not offer any competition to Lufthansa's operations in Korea.
“The long-haul business has always been low cost, so there is no scope for further price cuts by the budget cariers. It is only in short-haul routes that the budget carriers can prosper. This has been very much evident in Europe, where carriers like Ryan Air and EasyJet have a 40 percent market share in short-haul routes. The same is the case in Asia,he said.
Lufthansa passengers on long haul routes have access to a comprehensive program of entertainment with the extended Lufthansa Media World, 65 video options with 30 cinema films in up to eight languages, 25 TV programs and 10 music magazines from all over the world, 100 CD's, a selection of audio books, 24 radio programs with many international channels, games of skill, action-, board and strategy games as well as 11 language courses. So naturally, passengers prefer these premium services for long trips.
He was also full praise for the quality of services offered at Incheon Airport and said that most of the foreign carriers are appreciative of the facilities. Recent talks of privatization of the airport are welcome
The government announced recently, as part of its budget proposal to sell a 49 percent stake in the airport operator next year. Incheon International Airport Corporation is assessing the share value and sales price with investment bank advisers who will manage the initial public offering. However, an amendment to a related legislation that would authorize the privatization is still pending in the National Assembly after it was introduced last year. A majority of opposition party lawmakers are against the plan.
The Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs justify the privatization by arguing that the airport must be supervised by an agency with operating expertise and the ability to attract more financial and capital support so Incheon International Airport can develop further as a leading global airport hub..
“Overall privatized infrastructure is the way to go for the future. It will be a triple win situation for the airport, carriers and passengers. One can expect reduced prices and improvements in services, he said.

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