Asteco appoints Sales and Leasing Director for Middle East

Knowles brings considerable experience in the international property sector to Asteco, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. A UK national, Knowles has worked in a variety of management positions in Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and most recently India.

His new position at Asteco will see him take overall responsibility for Asteco's selling and leasing assignments in the region.

"James is a valuable addition to the team, and his appointment coincides with major growth in local and regional markets, and an increasingly ambitious investor communications strategy at Asteco," said Andrew Chambers, Managing Director, Asteco.

Chambers said: "James has important experience in commercial negotiations, leasing, and property, facility and construction management. His role will add new focus to Asteco's sales and leasing operations, and continue the regional expansion of the Asteco brand."

Dubai-based Asteco recently opened its first office in Jordan, and announced its first major project in the Kingdom due for completion in 2009.

Asteco will act as the sole, worldwide selling agent for the residential component of Saraya Aqaba, a luxury mixed-use development on the Aqaba coast valued at more than US$600 million.

Knowles brings more than 12 years' industry experience. Prior to his posting in Dubai, he was National Director and Leasing Director for Jones Lang LaSalle in India.

Knowles also worked with Jones Lang LaSalle as Associate Director and Leasing Director in South Korea from 2001 to 2003, and in Thailand from 1999 to 2001. He was Portfolio Manager and Assistant Project Manager for CD Richard Ellis in Thailand from 1997 to 1999, and he worked at Gammon Construction of Singapore for four years between 1993 and 1997.

During his tenure in Asia, Knowles worked with major developers, corporations, and Fortune 500 firms. Previous clients represented by him include Microsoft, Merril Lynch, Deutsche Bank, UBS, Cisco Systems, Accenture, Computer Associates, HSBC, Nortel Networks, P&G and Walt Disney.

Founded in Dubai in 1985, Asteco is the UAE's largest property management company. Its services include retail, commercial and residential sales and leasing; strategic consultancy; property management, property marketing; feasibility studies and valuations; and research and investment.