JLL Hotels & Hospitality names new head of Japan

SINGAPORE, 13 February 2020 – JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group has appointed Takahiro Tsujikawa as Head of Hotels & Hospitality for Japan, with effect from 1 April 2020. Mr Tsujikawa joined in 1 February 2020 as Managing Director in the interim. He will succeed Tomohiko Sawayanagi, who will step into the role of Senior Director after leading Japan’s hotels team for twenty years.

Bringing over two decades of experience in hotel property investment and asset management, Mr Tsujikawa will be responsible for the strategic direction and growth of JLL’s hospitality business in Japan. He will focus on building new revenue models and works closely with Nihat Ercan, Head of Investment Sales Asia, and Xander Nijnens, Head of Hotels & Hospitality Advisory Asia, to ensure a cohesive experience for domestic clients as well as international clients in Japan and throughout Asia. 

“Tom has done a remarkable job in building the business to what it is today,” says Mike Batchelor, CEO, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Asia. “We’re excited to have Takahiro take over and look forward to working with him to achieve our ambitious plans for the team in Asia. With his expertise in transactions and strategic advisory, we will continue to support our clients throughout the real estate life cycle, while looking at new areas where we can add value.”

Mr Batchelor adds: “Last year was remarkable for Asia Pacific as hotel transactions in the region rose by 44 percent. The region’s performance was supported by Japan’s record-breaking volumes and several high profile deals in Tokyo. We are expecting another strong year of investment activity in 2020 as investors continue to capitalise on the positive momentum generated by global events such as Tokyo 2020 and the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. A number of integrated resorts are also being developed in the country, which will boost its appeal as an investment destination.”

Mr Tsujikawa says: “Over the last 20 years, JLL Japan’s hospitality team has built and maintained a leading market position. It’s an honour to continue Tom’s work. With a positive outlook for Japan both in terms of inbound visitor arrivals and investor appetite, I am looking forward to working with the team to drive business growth and ensure our clients get the most value out of their hospitality assets.”

Prior to joining JLL, Mr Tsujikawa worked for Ken Corporation, daVinci Advisors, Panorama and PAG Investment Management Limited Hospitality. Most recently, he held the role of Head of Acquisition Group for Japan Hotel REIT Advisors, Co., leading hotel investment projects and working closely with global and domestic hotel operators.