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HONG KONG (September 16, 2013) — As part of its ongoing efforts to improve and expand services to members throughout Asia Pacific, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has named John Fitzgerald as chief executive of its operations in the region. Fitzgerald, 42, was promoted from his previous position as senior vice president and executive director of ULI Asia Pacific.

ULI is a global research and education institute dedicated to leadership in the responsible use of land and innovative, sustainable community building. Currently, ULI has nearly 30,000 members worldwide, including nearly 1,200 in North and South Asia. The institute has seven national councils in Asia, which concentrate on specific geographic markets. ULI’s Asia Pacific operations are run from its office in Hong Kong. Fitzgerald, who relocated from ULI’s global headquarters in Washington D.C. to Hong Kong in 2007 to establish a ULI staff presence in Asia Pacific, has guided the growth of ULI’s membership in the region from little more than 100 to its current level.

As ULI’s chief executive for Asia Pacific, Fitzgerald is responsible for the overall management and leadership of ULI’s many activities across the region, including its annual global real estate summit, numerous local convenings, and strategic partnership arrangements to expand ULI’s membership and visibility. He oversees a series of events to release Emerging Trends in Real Estate: Asia Pacific, a widely respected annual industry forecast co-published by ULI and PricewaterhouseCoopers. In addition, Fitzgerald works closely with ULI’s global staff to coordinate advisory service panels, ULI’s Awards for Excellence program in Asia Pacific, and real estate-related research relevant to the region.

“John’s thorough understanding of ULI and the land use industry in Asia Pacific is enabling the institute to more effectively meet the needs of members in the region’s diverse markets, and to offer more tailored conferences, programs and services. The rapid growth of so many cities in Asia underscores the need for ULI’s active involvement throughout the region,” said ULI chief executive officer Patrick L. Phillips. “Under John’s leadership, ULI can reach deeper into more areas of Asia Pacific and become more effective as a global knowledge-sharing network.”

“Since opening ULI’s Asia office in Hong Kong just over five years ago we have now grown to an organization that has over 1,000 members spread across Japan, Greater China, Southeast Asia and Australia. This amazing achievement makes ULI the preeminent network of professionals, made up members from both the public and private sector, committed to sustainable urban growth in North and South Asia,” Fitzgerald said. “I very much look forward to growing this network and continuing to advance ULI’s tradition of sharing ideas and best practices between members. I would also like to thank all members and sponsors, both individuals and corporates, for their continued support over the years.”

“This important announcement validates the passionate belief of ULI’s members in the region that ULI’s mission and values are crucial to the success and competitiveness of our cities, communities, and the industry in Asia,” stated Simon Treacy, outgoing chairman of ULI South Asia, and group chief executive officer at MGPA. “There is still much to focus upon throughout the region, but ULI is uniquely positioned as the right platform to address the serious challenges of urbanization, sustainability, and resilience. I hope that more cities, corporates, and institutions will recognize ULI’s commitment and support its efforts.”

“ULI members, across the continent, are energized and enthused by John Fitzgerald’s appointment as chief executive Asia Pacific,” added Raymond Chow, chairman of ULI North Asia, ULI board member, and executive director of Hongkong Land Limited. “This is not only testament to ULI’s long-term commitment to the region, but more than deserved recognition of the fantastic job that John and his team in Asia have done to build the ULI brand, promote ULI’s missions, and above all, to initiate impact.”

“ULI Japan is encouraged by the appointment of John Fitzgerald as chief executive Asia Pacific. This represents concrete evidence of ULI’s commitment to further growth in the region,” commented Naoto Aiba, ULI Japan council chair and executive vice president of Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. “ULI Japan looks forward to new opportunities to expand collaboration with our fellow ULI members and councils across Asia Pacific.”

 About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (www.uli.org) is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has nearly 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.