Asteco appoints new Head of Investment Agency for Middle East

Gray brings considerable experience in international property services, investment analysis and consultancy to Asteco. A UK national, Gray has worked in a variety of management positions in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more recently the UK.

His new position at Asteco will see him take overall responsibility for the acquisition and management of assets on behalf of VIP clients across all property sectors. Other roles include strategic investment analysis and advice, and managing negotiations and legal liaison for clients.

"Simon is a valuable addition to the team, and has important experience in retail, commercial, industrial and leisure property markets worldwide," said Andrew Chambers, Managing Director, Asteco.

"With the announcement of the Dubai property law, there has been an increase in demand for strategic investment advice and analysis. His role will add new focus to Asteco's investment business, not only expanding the Asteco brand regionally but in international markets as well."

Gray brings more than 27 years of industry experience. He has worked with FPDSavills as Managing Director in Thailand from 1992 to 2001.

He was Joint Managing Director for Chesterton International, Singapore from 1990 to 1992 and Director at Chesterton Petty in Hong Kong from 1987 to 1990. Gray has also worked at Richard Ellis in the UK and Asia Pacific for five years between 1979 and 1984.

Prior to his arrival in the UAE, Gray was Managing Director of Simon Gray & Partners in UK and Thailand providing investment consultancy services mainly for offshore investment groups.

As Managing Director of FPDSavills, Gray was responsible for more than 200 employees and managed property portfolios of approximately 1.25 million square metres for clients.

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