Experience

Director, Business Development & Support – Asia Pacific

August 2024- Current

Developing new affiliate opportunities for Chestertons in the Asia-Pacific region, while providing research and consultancy support to enhance affiliate growth in their respective markets.

Executive Director | Chestertons /NAI Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

April 2022 – July 2024

Operating a new real estate consultancy and agency franchise in Ho Chi Minh City. Rebranded from Chestertons to NAI Vietnam in January 2023.

Executive Director | Picon Deed Property Consultants, Yangon, Myanmar

August 2019 – March 2021

Real estate consultancy and brokerage services for Myanmar. Produced first ever property report for the capital Nay Pyi Taw.

Managing Director, Founder & Director | Colliers International, Yangon, Myanmar

May 2013 – May 2018

Formed the first international real estate consultancy in Myanmar and developed the growth of the business to over 25 employees and established Colliers as the most influential advisor of real estate in the country. Created the departments of Research & Advisory, Property Management and Leasing Services. Involved in all aspects of the business.

Associate Director, Research & Advisory | Colliers International, Bangkok, Thailand

November 2009 – April 2013

Produced quarterly property market reports, wrote company press releases, and provided ad-hoc research for various departments. Covered Bangkok, Thai resorts, and markets in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Established permanent Myanmar operations in May 2012, growing to four employees.

IELTS Trainer | Australian Center for Education and Training (ACET), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

December 2008 – October 2009

Teaching young adults academic English to prepare for university abroad and IELTS exam.

Research Manager/Consultant | Savills Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

March 2008 – September 2008

Managed the research team that produced property market reports for residential, office, retail and hotel sectors in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces in Vietnam.

Temporary Employment and Travel | Worldwide

November 2005 – February 2008

Extensive travel in Asia and South America including employment in France, Vietnam and Montenegro

Business English Location Trainer | Target Language GmbH, Erlangen, Germany

October 2003 – October 2005

Permanently located at the Power Generation division of Siemens. Tasks include running regular English training sessions, seminars, workshops and “on the job” support, including checking documentation, presentation support and meeting preparation.

English Trainer and Research Assistant | Libyan Football Federation, Tripoli, Libya

January 2003 – April 2003

Assisted Libyan Football Federation under short-term contract. Assisted in official letters and e-mails. Research of information relating to Libyan World Cup bid for 2010.

Business English Trainer | English Language Service, Bremen, Germany

September 2000 – July 2002

Teaching Business English and ESP to employees at EADS Airbus, Deutsche Bank and Kelloggs. Development of ESP teaching material. Part- time instructor of English for Global Management at the Bremen University of Applied Sciences.

Business English Trainer – Brooklyn Bridge S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 1999 – December 1999

Taught English for Brooklyn Bridge S.A. ISO 9002 accredited institute and American Training institute. Companies included Siemens, Proctor & Gamble, Price Waterhouse, Repsol-YPF and HSBC.

Director of EFL Program | Sylvan Learning Systems, Hong Kong

January 1998 – December 1998

Responsible for the setting up of a new ESL programme called Success with English, including the adaptation of the ESL course to reflect the needs of EFL students. Tutoring of both native and second language children in English and Maths using Sylvan teaching methods, including children with learning difficulties.

Publisher | MPX Pacific Co Ltd., Hong Kong

March 1994 – December 1997

Set up own publishing business in Hong Kong, performing all tasks relevant to publishing business directory including advertising sales supervision and data management. Published a directory called “Japanese businesses and Representatives in Hong Kong & China” in 1995 and a following edition for 1996/7. Created a new free entertainment monthly for Hong Kong called “Pulse Magazine” and acted as executive editor.

Temporary Employment and Travel | Worldwide

1990 – 1993

Extensive travel in Asia and South America including employment in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia and Indonesia.

Insurance Underwriter | Sun Alliance Insurance Company, London, UK

June 1988 – November 1989

Consideration of insurance for commercial liability risks and liaison with insurance brokers. Involved in the development and running of weekly induction courses for new employees using a more participatory method of training.

Transport Supervisor | SPD Distribution (Now Excel Logistics), Reading, UK

August 1986 – March 1988

Supervision of fleet of 30 trucks and drivers delivering products to Pizza Hut Restaurants. Overview of route planning, vehicle utilization, fuel usage and repairs.

Education

Regent School of English, London

RSA TEFL Grade B, May 1992

University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle

Bachelor of Arts – B.A. (Hons) Politics 2nd Class, July 1986

Redbridge Technical College, Ilford, Essex

GCE A Levels Psychology, Economics, Politics (ABC), July 1983

Seven Kings High School, Ilford, Essex

GSE O Levels, July 1980

Achievements

Inaugural President of British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar

May 2014-November 2015

Supported the creation of the chamber right from the beginning with the formation of an informal British business group starting in 2012 leading to a fully certified chamber in 2014.

Authoring of first ever real estate reports on the following markets:

Yangon, Myeik & Mandalay (Myanmar), Vientiane (Laos), Hua Hin, Khao Yai & Samui (Thailand).

Contributor in various media and presentations for the following:

Euromoney Myanmar Investment Forum in Naypyitaw, Oxford Business Group, CNN, Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, Reuters, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.