Hines strengthens Asia Pacific presence in Japan and South Korea

Hines has plans to expand its presence in Japan and South Korea with several key appointments.

Drew Huffman, managing director and 10-year veteran at Hines, will oversee the new business initiatives in the two countries. Joining the local team are Hyungsub Lee, a director in the Seoul office, and Sho Morita, an associate in the Tokyo office, both of whom are new to the firm. More local hiring is under way in both countries, with additional acquisition and development personnel expected to join in 2021.

Since opening the Seoul and Tokyo offices in 2013 and 2017, respectively, Hines has recently increased its headcount to seven in the two countries. The team is expected to nearly double by year-end as the offices increase their focus on development and acquisitions in their respective economies.

Huffman joined Hines in 2011 and relocated to Tokyo from Hong Kong in early 2020. Since joining the firm, he has been a key member responsible for the acquisition and disp