JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group has announced a new CEO for its Asia Pacific operation, with Asia CEO Mike Batchelor taking over the role.

Mr Batchelor will divide his time between Asia and Australia, overseeing a team of 80 people in seven countries and territories and providing Asian clients with seamless access to the Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands hospitality markets.

He said he was "delighted" to take on the position at such a crucial time.

At a glance: 

• JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group has appointed Mike Batchelor as CEO of its Asia Pacific business.
• In Australia, Craig Collins, will be leaving his role as CEO of Australasia, and Peter Harper will be promoted to Managing Director, Head of Investment Sales Australasia.
• Nihat Ercan, currently the Head of Investments Sales for JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group, Asia, will expand his role to cover Asia Pacific.

“As we enter one of the most challenging periods the hotel sector has ever experienced, being there for our clients and being able to provide them with timely and accurate advice across every market in Asia Pacific has never been more important," he said.

In Australia, Craig Collins, will be leaving his role as CEO of Australasia, and Peter Harper will be promoted to Managing Director, Head of Investment Sales Australasia.

JLL Asia Pacific Capital Markets CEO Stuart Crow said the new appointments were align with the evolving requirements of its investment clients.

“Our Hotels and Hospitality business is coming off a record year of investment volumes and despite global economic uncertainty," he said.

"In making these leadership announcements, we will be exceptionally placed to build off our previous success and solidify our platform further to better serve this dynamic market.

"I would like to thank Craig for his instrumental role in creating the market leading business in Asia Pacific and wishing Mike success in his expanded role." 

Mr Collins said the time was right for him to move on and let a new generation take over the team in Australasia.

“I have had the most amazing adventure over 28 years and had the honour of working with many of the best people in the hotel and tourism business across the world," he said.

"Our platform is unmatched and I’m confident that we will continue to provide our clients with unrivaled access to capital and advisory services in the years to come."

Nihat Ercan, currently the Head of Investments Sales for JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group, Asia, will expand his role to cover Asia Pacific.

He will partner closely with the Australasia investment sales team to provide enhanced access to Asian capital sources as they expand their investment portfolios internationally. Xander Nijnens, Head of Advisory and Asset Management Asia, will take on the responsibility of Asset Management across Asia Pacific.

The leadership changes follow a record 2019 for JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group in Asia Pacific as measured by investment volume.

The firm was crowned the region’s leading Hospitality advisor by Real Capital Analytics (RCA) for the ninth consecutive year.

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