JLL enhances Japan data centre services amid rising demand

JLL has announced significant enhancements to its data centres services platform in Japan. To address the escalating demand for specialised data solutions in the country, the company has appointed three seasoned professionals: Fuminiro Asaki, Masue Suzuki, and Andrew Dolan. They will spearhead the enhanced platform, catering to the increasing needs of investor clients seeking opportunities in Japan's data centre market.

Given the unique challenges posed by data centre infrastructure and the complex real estate requirements and regulations involved, there is a growing need for a comprehensive platform of advisory services. Clients require expert guidance to navigate these complexities when entering the market. Rohit Hemnani, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Alternatives, Capital Markets, Asia Pacific at JLL, noted, “Japan’s data centre sector has emerged as one of the most appealing alternative asset classes globally, attracting attention from an increasingly diverse and international cohort of real estate investors.” He added that the enhancements to the platform would complement JLL’s data centre services across the Asia Pacific region and provide clients with exceptional expertise and tailored solutions.

Fuminiro Asaki will rejoin JLL as Head of Data Centre Advisory Services in Japan. Having previously served as a Senior Director focusing on data centres at JLL, Asaki brings extensive industry expertise and a broad network. His experience spans data centre transactions, including site selection, development, and sales. He has also worked with CBRE Investment Management and Mercer Investment Manager and has held technology roles at financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, BNY Mellon, and SMBC Nikko Securities. Asaki’s deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in leveraging JLL’s market position and offering unparalleled advisory solutions to clients.

Masue Suzuki, who will also join the team, brings a wealth of experience in marketing to overseas investors across various asset sectors. She has expertise in presenting Japanese markets to incoming investors and providing acquisition support, including underwriting and product development. Suzuki’s prior experience includes roles at Savills Asset Advisory and IDERA Capital Management, as well as Goldman Sachs Realty Japan. She will play a critical role in advising on capital partnerships and joint ventures within the data centre sector, bringing a valuable investor perspective to the team.

Andrew Dolan has relocated from Korea to join JLL’s Japan Capital Markets team. Dolan has extensive experience in technology, logistics, and industrial sectors, and will bring a client-centric approach to executing data centre, logistics, and industrial projects in Japan. He has previously served as Head of Valuations in Korea and held other advisory roles in the Korean market, in addition to business development experience at LOGOS Group in Korea.

Ryuta Takeuchi, Head of Capital Markets Japan at JLL, highlighted the strategic importance of the appointments, stating, “We recognised a need to better empower clients to make actionable and informed decisions in this highly specialised sector. When looking to enhance our Japan data centre capabilities, Asaki, Suzuki, and Dolan emerged as natural choices given their deep expertise and ability to grow client relationships.”

These strategic appointments and enhancements to JLL’s data centre services platform underscore the company’s commitment to delivering high-calibre advisory services in Japan’s burgeoning data centre market. With these enhancements, JLL aims to meet the evolving needs of its clients and strengthen its position in the industry.