Foreign Trade Expert Joins Cushman & Wakefield Investors Asia

6 Jun, 2007, New York, NY

Veteran foreign trade expert and former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Franklin L. Lavin to help build Cushman & Wakefield’s investment management business in Asia

Cushman & Wakefield, the world's largest privately held commercial real estate services firm, today announced the appointment of Franklin L. Lavin to Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Cushman & Wakefield Investors Asia. He will be based in Hong Kong and Washington, D.C.

Mr. Lavin previously served as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade within the U.S. Department of Commerce, a position he stepped down from to assume his role at Cushman & Wakefield.

At Cushman & Wakefield, Mr. Lavin will be responsible for helping to build the firm’s investment management business throughout Asia. In addition to executing the roll-out of various investment funds, Mr. Lavin will be responsible for investor relations for Cushman & Wakefield Capital Asia, and he will be active in the management of investment funds.

According to Cushman & Wakefield President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Mosler, "The recruitment of Frank Lavin is a major move for our firm as we continue to diversify our business into real estate financial services and expand operations throughout Asia. Our clients will benefit greatly from his deep knowledge of global trade and the business landscape in Asia."

“Frank is a key addition to Cushman & Wakefield Investors Asia, and he will be instrumental in the continued growth, development and management of our business,” said Helen Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Cushman & Wakefield Investors Asia. “Cross-border capital constitutes more than 30 percent of all global property investment, and Frank’s experience and exceptional knowledge of China and India will be a powerful tool for our clients seeking opportunities there.”

As Under Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Lavin was an advocate for American business and a steadfast promoter of free markets across the globe. He led the International Trade Administration’s team of more than 2,200 dedicated individuals posted around the world.

Previously, Mr. Lavin was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore from 2001 to 2005, where his duties included helping negotiate the landmark U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. From 1996 to 2001, he worked in Hong Kong and Singapore in senior banking and management positions at Citibank and Bank of America. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Asia and the Pacific during the George H.W. Bush Administration, with responsibilities for commercial policy, trade negotiations and assisting U.S. companies with market access throughout all of East Asia, except Japan.

During the Reagan Administration, Mr. Lavin served in the White House as Director of the Office of Political Affairs, assisting in the management of domestic political issues. He also served as Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council where he planned state visits and summit meetings.

Previous government service includes staff positions at the White House and the U.S. Department of State.

Mr. Lavin earned a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University; a M.S. in Chinese Language from Georgetown University; a M.A. in International Relations and International Economics from the School of Advanced International Studies at the Johns Hopkins University; and a M.B.A. in Finance at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

A native of Canton, Ohio, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He and his wife have three children.

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Cushman & Wakefield is the world’s preeminent commercial real estate services firm. Founded in 1917, the firm has 201 offices in 55 countries, and more than 12,000 professionals. Cushman & Wakefield delivers integrated solutions by actively advising, implementing and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, and investors through every stage of the real estate process. These solutions include helping clients to buy, sell, finance, lease and manage assets. The firm also provides valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, site selection and space location assistance, among many other advisory services. To find out more about Cushman & Wakefield, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.

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