What first drew me to LaSalle was its global reputation as a successful real estate investor. I knew the Australian team was a tight knit group with a strong track record, and they were known as a practical, on the ground investor focused on real estate fundamentals.
Prior to joining LaSalle, I worked with the Real Assets team at a global bank. In this role, I provided coverage for various private equity groups in infrastructure and real estate, covering renewables, oil and gas, public private infrastructure, mining, and transport sectors. LaSalle was a client of the bank and well known to me. My first direct interaction with the Australian and Asia Pacific team at LaSalle occurred in 2021 when they were in the process of acquiring an industrial asset in Sydney.
My role primarily involves securing external debt for acquisition and refinancing purposes, as well as assisting with direct real estate acquisitions in Australia on behalf of clients and LaSalle funds. Over the past year, I have also been involved in the development of new products in the Australian market.
Since joining, I have progressed from Associate to Manager last year, and more recently this year to Vice President. I’ve seen a large shift in the macro environment, notably higher interest rates, declining valuations, and a challenging capital markets outlook. This has placed pressure on capital stacks and one of my main responsibilities has been to manage these positions within the existing portfolio, working closely alongside Australian and APAC teams.
On the acquisitions front, although more subdued, the team has been actively reviewing and pursing predominantly opportunistic transactions across all sectors, but with a particular focus on industrial and living strategies.
What first drew me to LaSalle was its global reputation as a successful real estate investor. I knew the Australian team was a tight knit group with a strong track record, and they were known as a practical, on the ground investor focused on real estate fundamentals.
My favorite aspect of the job is that at its heart, LaSalle is an entrepreneurial business, and it needs to be. We need think creatively and be smart, but be prudent in finding ways to generate performance. We also need to have ‘an ear to the ground’ and in a position to act quickly and with conviction. LaSalle is structured in a way that fosters this environment. You get access to senior decision makers, and you are encouraged to present and progress ideas. I like that real estate is a people business, driven by relationships, track records and experience. I feel lucky to be part of a company that values these qualities.
I’ve also had the opportunity to represent LaSalle on the Property Council of Australia’s National Real Estate Capital Markets Committee, which has been a great experience.
I am grateful for the experience, responsibilities and exposure my role has given me so far. Regarding what’s next, it’s anyone’s guess, but I know LaSalle offers several exciting potential career paths. I see big opportunities for the business going forward and believe there is potential to make a real impact here.
I like all things outdoors. I’m a big sailor – it’s a fantastic tactical and competitive team sport that I enjoy on evenings and weekends when time permits! We are lucky in Australia, with natural beauty and Sydney Harbour on the doorstep.
Jacob’s career path
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LaSalle is renewing their pledge to PREA Foundation, to help develop more diverse talent and provide them accessibility to the real estate industry globally.
LaSalle has pledged a donation of US $50,000 each year, over the next five years to PREA Foundation, which gives LaSalle the status of a Benefactor Donor. This is the second time LaSalle has pledged, the first being from 2017 to 2022. LaSalle and PREA Foundation have had a long-standing relationship, with many LaSalle employees participating in PREA Foundation events, panels and discussions over the last few years.
The Foundation’s mission is to further the interests and values of the institutional real estate investment community by advancing industry-wide diversity and inclusion. The Foundation, in partnership with donors, is working on developing the largest and most comprehensive talent pipeline for the industry.
Partnerships with donor organizations help PREA Foundation achieve their mission. PREA Foundation funds the creation of career development programs to help underserved youth access life-changing careers in the vast real estate industry. These career development programs include job training and workforce development. Some of the non-profits the Foundation works with include Toigo and Girls Who Invest. Donor organizations can access resources through PREA Foundation which makes it easier for them to recruit diverse talent from these programs.
Donations also fund the creation of career development programs to help underserved youth access careers and opportunities in real estate. These career development programs include job training, workforce development, and skill development.
Additionally, donations fund a variety of educational resources including webinars and seminars open to all in the industry. These educational programs help address long standing DEI challenges in real estate, through providing best practice workshops.
LaSalle’s donation allows them to join respected industry leaders whose contributions create opportunities for the next generation.
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Among the many fulfilling aspects of my work, the best moments come from witnessing the tangible impact of my analyses and the utility of the tools I create for my colleagues and the company at large.
Before I joined LaSalle, I was employed as a Research Associate at University College London (UCL), on a large project for international trade when the itch for a new professional challenge began. When I saw a LinkedIn posting for a position within LaSalle’s Research team, I researched the company and was very impressed. I decided to apply for the position. This marked the beginning of an enlightening decade-long journey with the company.
I began as an Associate armed with quantitative knowledge and the drive to learn, heading into an unfamiliar industry. The initial years were a steep climb, replete with new terms and immense learning. My role evolved from undertaking research assignments to contributing to company-wide projects. Today, I work with the North America Research, Asset Management, Portfolio Teams and IC, endeavoring to understand the blueprint of our investment performance, as well as supporting the deployment of existing and new investment strategies.
Among the many fulfilling aspects of my work, the best moments come from witnessing the tangible impact of my analyses and the utility of the tools I create for my colleagues and the company at large. The sense of contribution, collaboration and participation in the company’s success is immensely gratifying.
One defining moment that stands out has been my move to the US. It was a step that expanded my boundaries, placing me far from my comfort zone. It gave me the opportunity to connect with colleagues in crucial North American positions and contribute to significant business initiatives. The experience significantly heightened my confidence and reaffirmed my value as a professional.
Looking back, my career path has been marked by two transformative crossroads that significantly shaped my professional and personal trajectory. Initially, I worked as a Civil Environmental Engineer in an urban planning role in Italy. A desire for wider horizons led me to resign from that position and spend a few months in the US during my PhD studies, a move that eventually saw me relocating to the UK. There, I shifted gears into quantitative research in international trade at UCL. The final and most precipitous change came when I seized the opportunity to join LaSalle. This represented a new chapter in my career, diversifying my path yet retaining the same foundational elements. While these roles seem disparate, they all revolved around a common denominator – my passion for deciphering the complexities of the world through data and models, my desire for new knowledge, and the rewarding experiences I’ve gained from collaboration with innovative, talented individuals and industry-leading organizations.
Simone’s career path
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I joined LaSalle in 2008 and I am celebrating my 16-year anniversary this month. Time flies!
Before LaSalle, I worked in global finance and for a non-profit called the Japan Council on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. I was responsible for many financial tasks including accounting, payroll and financial administrative duties.
At that time, I worked three days per week, because I was raising two small children and wanted to spend time with them. I was introduced to LaSalle through a recruiting agency when my son was six years old. The Regional Finance team was looking for a person in Japan who would work part-time, and that matched with my wish to be at home with my children. I started with LaSalle in Corporate Finance in 2008 as an Associate, responsible for revenue recognition and general reporting.
When I joined, Asia Pacific Corporate Finance was small and new, there were two team members in Singapore, and only one in Japan. Even though we didn’t meet in person for some time, I appreciated the support I received my colleagues. We bonded with trust and friendship and worked well as a team.
Just after I started, the Global Financial Crisis affected our business and our assets under management (AUM) started to drop. Through those tough years, I remember our LaSalle Japan colleagues working hard to find new sources of investments. In 2013, though Japan AUM was still lower, we had more variety in our investments. I faced something new every year, taking on new challenges and opportunities. I worked with my manager to standardize policies for local finance, fee recognition, and cost recharges. On my five-year anniversary with LaSalle, I was promoted to Manager.
I did not expect that promotion because I was still working on a shorter schedule to balance my time with my children. However, I extended my work time in 2015, because our business grew, and Corporate Finance had more responsibility. LaSalle Logiport REIT was launched that year, and I covered our subsidiary company managing the REIT.
Shortly after, LaSalle internalized the financial activity, instead of outsourcing it. My manager asked me if I would like to be Head of Corporate Finance for Japan. I had enough experience; however, I declined the offer at that time. I was not confident I would be able to perform this job and have enough time with my family.
When I declined the offer, I worked with the local team and manager, and I sometimes dealt with challenges in my role. I did not always share my views openly and looking back I regretted not accepting the new position. This was a turning point for me. Four years later in 2019, I started to cover cash management and tax filing and was promoted to Vice President. In December, due to internal movements, I was again offered the role of Head of Corporate Finance. I was thrilled to get a second chance and accepted the offer.
I love working with my Corporate Finance team and our colleagues around the world. I have good colleagues in Japan and in Corporate Finance, and I see their perseverance even during tough times. It always encourages and motivates me to see how they take challenges with grace, and I am grateful to work with such people.
Izumi’s career path
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I first joined LaSalle as an Analyst in 2006 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and have been a member of the same team ever since. It was a great time to join the firm – the market was buoyant, and I got a lot of invaluable early exposure to our business. At the end of 2008, that shifted dramatically as we entered the Global Financial Crisis, and I was immediately introduced to the throes of finding ways to add value during a down market.
After leaving LaSalle for a few years to pursue an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, I rejoined LaSalle in the summer of 2012. Before business school, the LaSalle Analyst program had provided key building blocks and I learned how to add value as part of a larger team. I returned after business school as an Asset Manager and was given new autonomy to make investment decisions. I considered myself extremely lucky to return to a team and culture consistent with my skillset, personality and passion.
Despite being a large multinational company with over 700 employees, on multiple occasions LaSalle has proven to be nimble and incredibly supportive of me not only in terms of my career but on a very human, personal level. A culture that empowers leaders to provide that kind of support is what creates the commitment to building a career verses doing a job, which brings me to the next part of my story.
In 2015, at the age of 31, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer. The entire organization from our Global CEO at the time down to my immediate team could not have been more supportive. Although I was undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and two significant surgeries (an experience I never want to relive), I still wanted the intellectual stimulation of working. From day one, LaSalle made it clear that they would support me – and gave me tremendous latitude with flexible working hours that accommodated my treatment schedule. There were weeks when I couldn’t get out of bed and other weeks that approached close to normal. I wanted to keep working to maintain continuity and to keep my mind engaged. Having a routine and a post-treatment end goal were crucial motivators for me. My team was amazing – they were supportive at every turn and picked up more than their fair share when I couldn’t fully pull my weight. You don’t expect that from a large company and, to this day, I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support.
Another time that LaSalle supported me to an amazing degree was in 2017, when my husband was transferred to San Francisco with his job, which required a move to the West Coast. My role and team were based in Chicago and I remember timidly asking if there was a potential solution for me to relocate and remain with the firm. After having just gone through a year of cancer treatment, I really didn’t know what to expect. LaSalle was incredibly accommodating and provided a remote work solution that allowed me to stay a part of my team, contributing to the business I had been building and ultimately expanding to West Coast properties based on my new location. On a personal level, I was able to move cross country without the worry of having to leave a team I loved.
Over those few years, I was fortunate enough to have great bosses that were very supportive and were always willing to let me bounce ideas off of them or discuss the best way to handle something, whether it was personal or professional. I have come to realize that support is a two-way street. I take a lot of pride in my dedication to the business and the potential impact of my role. And while LaSalle has been supportive beyond words, I never take that support for granted. At LaSalle there are so many people who are ready to support you, and I’ve learned that it’s okay to seek out that guidance and be honest about what you need to succeed. You get out what you put in, and there is no limit to the opportunities available at LaSalle for those who show up with that mentality.
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The Galleries shopping centre is owned by a LaSalle separate account client, and LaSalle’s Asset Management team is actively involved in running the facility. It sits in the heart of Bristol, a short walk from one of the city’s major hospitals – the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI).
At the very start of the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the centre’s lettings agents mentioned that his wife worked for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), and the team discussed what intense pressure NHS staff were under. Following that conversation, LaSalle’s Asset Management team, in consultation with our client, made the quick decision to offer free parking to NHS staff to help support them during exceptionally difficult times. The free parking offer started in April 2020 and ran until the end of November 2021.
During the peak of the pandemic, an average of 300 NHS staff per day took up the free parking offer, which normally would have cost £18 per car per day (or £5,400 per day). Over the 19 months the free parking was offered, nearly £3 million in free parking was claimed by NHS staff.
To continue the centre’s support for the BRI and the NHS, The Galleries has been able to offer discounted parking to 200 NHS staff from the BRI for the foreseeable future (£6 per day rather than £18 per day).
The Galleries is also working in partnership with the NHS to create new and different spaces within the city centre. The NHS has taken two leases for vacant units at The Galleries: one is being used for additional storage space and another is currently being fitted for a remote eye hospital to assist with reducing the Covid-19 related backlog of appointments.
LaSalle is proud to have been able to offer its support not only to NHS staff in Bristol, but to healthcare workers around the world in a variety of ways. While our assets are financial investments for a wide range of stakeholders, we also understand the vital role that they play in supporting communities, and we take great satisfaction in knowing that they have done so.
The local NHS/BRI team were extremely happy and pleasantly surprised by the offer of free parking from The Galleries during the pandemic and made working throughout the busy period of the lockdowns and pandemic slightly easier; then offering discounted parking for up to 200 BRI staff from December 2021 has been very well received.
– Dave Wilson, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
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LaSalle’s European teams came together in October for a team cycle from Strasbourg to Munich ahead of Expo Real to raise money for those affected by cystic fibrosis (CF).
The annual bike ride they participated in is an annual effort supported by people in the property industry and raises money for Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, a charity that helps support those living with CF and improves the lives of patients and their families. LaSalle was one of the main sponsors of the event, and 2021 marks the third year of our participation.
From October 8th to 10th, 20 cyclists rode 430 kilometers, through the Black Forest from Strasbourg to Munich, arriving at the international investment property fair, Expo Real. Four LaSalle employees from Paris and two from Munich were among the cyclists. Many others donated to the cause via their official funding page, with an impressive €8,515 being raised in total.
Plans for the funds raised for Vaincre la Mucoviscidose include:
- Supporting the relocation of families from remote parts of France to parts of the country where CF support is more readily available.
- Helping young adults with CF to make life plans and achieve independence by moving into their own homes and getting them the support they need to live independently.
Although we endured chilly weather in the morning hours, the team enjoyed a beautiful landscape, riding through the Black Forest, Swabian Alps and Bavaria. This truly compensated for the efforts required over the three days, especially through climbing almost 4,000 meters. It’s always amazing how quickly people connect and bond over the physical efforts of a bike ride.
– Uwe Rempis, Head of KVG Fund Management and one of the cyclists
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Viktoria Ackemann (Analyst, Fund Management) and Elif Sanal (Senior Financial Controller) bring wellbeing and fun to the Munich Office by leading 30-minute lunchtime yoga classes for their colleagues. These classes prioritize wellness and self-care at LaSalle by offering employees a mindful break in their workdays.
Viktoria has been doing yoga for three years and found that she enjoyed it so much that she wanted to take on further training and education. She has now completed 150 hours of teacher training.
Elif has been doing yoga a bit longer, having started seven years ago in response to back pain and related mobility issues. Like Viktoria, she realized she wanted to know more about yoga and started training to be a teacher in 2018 and has so far completed 230 hours of teacher training so far.
Following the social and physical isolation brought on by Covid-19, they came up with the idea of leading lunchtime yoga classes for their colleagues in Munich. Being present in the moment, slowing down and letting go of stress were all benefits they felt for themselves and decided that they wanted to share with their colleagues.
Knowing that Elif had previously led some classes, Viktoria asked her if she could do the same at LaSalle. With current social distancing restrictions, there is space for six people at each class, and they have still gotten some nice feedback so far from colleagues who have attended. Going forward, they are looking to add an evening class that they feel might better suit some of their colleagues’ schedules.
Both Viktoria and Elif have been grateful for the support they have received with their initiative. Viktoria said:
A lot of teams have helped. Marketing put our emails and promotional items together for the class, and our office has given us budget for supplies like mats. LaSalle is happy that we offer this, so they have given us their full support.
Viktoria Ackemann, Analyst, Fund Management
Their favorite part about teaching yoga classes? For Viktoria, it’s bringing something new to people who have never tried it and encouraging them to give it a go. For Elif, the joy is in seeing new faces. She enjoys surprising people by showing them so many different parts of yoga that they can take away and work on further.
The other favorite part is knowing that they’re making a positive contribution to their colleagues’ wellbeing by getting people up and about, moving and having time to clear their head. It’s not lost on either of them that being refreshed and relaxed makes them and their colleagues more productive, less stressed and – most importantly – happier overall.
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I joined JLL’s graduate scheme in 2019 at the London office. In the first rotation you do not have the opportunity to choose where you are placed, though in the subsequent rotations there is an element of choice, subject to business needs. I always had the aspiration to complete one of my rotations at LaSalle, so I completed a couple of courses in the industry during my first rotation to have a better chance to be selected for LaSalle in my second rotation. I was selected, and subsequently joined LaSalle in January 2021 for my second and final rotation, with the intention to rotate out in October.
As fate would have it, however, I started speaking to colleagues at LaSalle during my rotation and understanding their passion for the industry. I soon realized that this was what I wanted to do, and the part of the property industry that I am most passionate about. This month, I am starting full-time with LaSalle in Amsterdam, as a Senior Analyst and I couldn’t be happier.
When I joined JLL and LaSalle it was in part because, as global companies, we lean on so many professionals across the world who have a huge range of expertise, and both companies offer direct access to this expertise. How amazing is it that a company helps facilitate career movements across different countries to help employees learn more?
My favourite part or working at LaSalle has to be that there is always opportunity — to take on new work, learn about new sectors, and explore new ideas. I’ve had a lot of autonomy, but importantly if I or anyone else has new ideas, there’s respect and support from your managers to help you pursue them.
I’d like to have an opportunity to see the global headquarters in Chicago at some point in the future and how that differs from offices in Europe. Being able to see how the European experience differs from the American experience is something I’d love to learn.
Speaking of learning, I’m dyslexic, which is something I only learnt when I was 16. All my life before that, I just thought I wasn’t as intelligent as other people. I didn’t realize my brain worked in a different way to others, I would consistently receive low grades and was very disruptive. When I found out I was dyslexic, I realized there were different ways to learn that were suited to me, and suddenly I was achieving considerably higher results and went from the bottom to the top of my classes. That helped instill in me the view that we all learn differently, and I should be confident in myself and recognize my own abilities and the support I need to achieve my goals. I don’t think of dyslexia as a disability, but rather an opportunity to understand how my brain works to achieve what I want to achieve.
Being open out it has made a world of difference in life and at work. Realizing everybody works differently, for example, allows the team to accommodate different styles. Some people don’t speak up right away, or others don’t like to formulate their thoughts until they have a chance to reflect. It’s important to think outside of the status quo and create an environment where people can feel supported to work in ways that allow them to do their best. I always feel LaSalle works toward and values that perspective, and I feel comfortable and supported here, which I appreciate.
I think it’s going to be a great place to build my career.
James’s career path:
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LaSalle is proud to be a supporter of Blue for Japan (BFJ), a non-profit organization that supports orphaned children and is dedicated to providing them with housing, resources and educational opportunities. In Japan, there are about 30,000 children living in orphanages and about 5,000 children living in foster care. Typically, when children living at these facilities reach age 18-20, they are required to leave the orphanages and become independent. While resources like housing and job opportunities are provided, the transition can be difficult for many of these young people, and they often feel isolated, unprepared and stressed. This can cause them to leave jobs, stop paying rent, or deal with other financial and personal struggles.
In order to help combat this, organizations like BFJ provide as many resources as possible to help children succeed and prepare for their life outside of the facilities in which they grow up. BFJ’s specific focus has expanded into assisting orphanages across Japan. However, BFJ’s reach is limited. Due to a huge increase in remote learning requirements because of the pandemic, the children being served by BFJ have been materially affected as they do not have access to computers or devices for online education. LaSalle’s donations over the years, including a gift of ¥1 million (approximately US$10,000) in December 2020, have allowed the organization to purchase 20 refurbished PCs for the children, which will give them access to vast educational and learning opportunities.
These children are already at a disadvantage given their circumstances, so it brings me happiness that we can provide them some support to make their life better. It’s wonderful to be able to help these children become independent adults, through providing resources to help them access good educational and job opportunities.
– Ichiro Hikosaka, Managing Director, Leasing Management, and a dedicated volunteer with BFJ
LaSalle has worked with BFJ since 2018, when Keith Fujii, LaSalle’s Asia Pacific CEO and then-CEO of Japan, wanted to find a way to become more involved in community efforts. Hikosaka-san was able to make a connection with LaSalle and BFJ, and the organization was selected as one of the charities in which to support. Subsequently each year, LaSalle Japan has selected BFJ as their annual charity to support during the holiday season. LaSalle has donated $33,500 to the organization since 2018, and still plans this year to help the organization in whatever ways possible.
“I am a passionate volunteer for this organization, and it is great to see LaSalle has offered support each year to make a big impact,” said Hikosaka-san. “Team members and I have attended events organized by Blue for Japan over the years as well, and LaSalle continues to provide direct contributions to make a difference.”
For Hikosaka-san, this work underscores the important role we all play in our collective society to take care of those in need.
“As human beings, we need to help each other,” he said. “It makes me happy to work for a company like LaSalle where I can give and share what I have. Especially to children who need it most.”
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For the last five years, LaSalle’s Baltimore team has worked hard to bring joy to families in need during the holiday season. Through a partnership with Baltimore City Social Services, the team’s Adopt-A-Family initiative supports a family every year to ensure they have presents to open during the holidays.
Kim Swann, Senior Administrative Assistant, suggested the initiative to her team five years ago, and has been leading on it ever since.
I’ve always been a giving person. My family has been supporting two families every Thanksgiving and Christmas for over two decades. My church also sponsors families. So, it was no-brainer to share an opportunity to give back with the LaSalle team.
– Kim Swann, Senior Administrative Assistant
Every year, Kim works with Baltimore City Social Services to find a family in need. She then meets with the families and creates a wish list based on what gift ideas the children share. Kim then sends a presentation to LaSalle’s Baltimore team with information on the family members, their wish lists and how to donate or buy gifts. Typically, the team gets together to wrap the gifts, but this year they are contributing virtually. Kim then delivers the gifts to the family directly along with some colleagues.
“In previous years, it’s been special getting to watch colleagues put together bikes, blow up basket balls, or wrap gifts together,” Kim shared. “This year, we are still accepting gifts and donations, and even though we are planning to deliver the gifts in a way where we are practicing social distancing and wearing masks, it will still be really nice to complete a family’s holiday wish.”
In 2019, the exchange was especially memorable for Kim and her colleagues. When one of the children shared his ambitions to be a fireman when he was older, Kim contacted a friend who was also a fireman to help deliver the gifts. The response she received was more than she ever expected.
“On the day we agreed to deliver the gifts, I was at the family’s home and suddenly heard sirens down the street. When we went outside, we saw that my friend had brought an actual fire truck and eight other firemen joined him. Neighbors came out to participate and the kids got to meet the firemen and sit in the truck,” Kim shared. “It was amazing. Most times I don’t cry, but last year got me.”
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