Providing a High Level of Experience in Retail, Office and Development

Catherine Lai is a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with 35 years of global experience in commercial real estate and asset management. She has worked across the UK, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, specializing in stakeholder engagement, financial management, ESG, valuation, project leadership, and risk management, with a focus on retail, office, and development sectors.

Catherine began her career in the UK and Europe, where she played a key role in rationalizing a newly acquired retail portfolio across multiple cities, managing asset strategies, leasing, acquisitions, and disposals. In Southeast Asia, she led site selection, feasibility studies, and development for a 5 million sq. ft. mixed-use project, working with a diverse, multicultural team. She also spearheaded the repositioning and relaunch of a 129,000 sq. ft. shopping center, overseeing refinancing, a full refurbishment, and an intensive leasing and marketing campaign. Additionally, she provided strategic consultancy for a 215,000 sq. ft. neighborhood shopping center, advising on refurbishment, tenant mix, lease structuring, and long-term planning.

In Australia, Catherine managed high-rise office assets as General Manager (CBRE Perth) before taking on the role of National Director of Asset Management Services at JLL Pty Ltd, where she was responsible for driving operational excellence and portfolio performance. As a consultant, Catherine played a key role in optimizing the performance of Australia’s (then) largest landlord, AMP Capital, by overseeing their high-rise office and associated retail portfolio. She led strategic portfolio management and guided staff through a critical internal restructure to drive efficiency and long-term value.

With a proven ability to lead teams, enhance asset value, and implement forward-thinking strategies, Catherine brings deep expertise and a results-driven approach to commercial property management. Her extensive background in retail asset management, including repositioning, leasing, and strategic planning, has been instrumental in revitalizing shopping centers and driving long-term retail performance.