Savills Investment Management, the global real estate investment manager, today announces the appointment of Shu (Shusaku) Watanabe as Head of Japan with effect from 1 September 2026, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing presence and commitment to the Japanese real estate market.
Michael, currently Global Chief Investment Officer for Savills IM, joined the business in January 2025 from Nuveen where he was CIO and Head of Funds Management. He has over 30 years’ experience in Global Real Estate and has built strong relationships across Savills IM and the wider Savills Group since he joined the company in January 2025. Michael will continue with his Global CIO responsibilities.
Shu brings over 26 years of experience across global real estate investment, spanning advisory, equity and debt, with more than USD 20 billion of investment experience in Japanese real estate transactions across his career. He has worked both within local and global firms across office, multifamily, logistics and retail sectors, and launched three Japan country specific funds in the past 15 years.
Most recently Shu was Managing Director and Head of Japan for Nuveen, where he established the firm’s real estate business and was successful in executing and managing various investment strategies and transactions on behalf of clients. Prior to Nuveen, Shu held senior investment roles at JP Morgan Asset Management, Macquarie Capital Securities, Morgan Stanley, Japan and Itochu Corporation.
Michael Neal, Global CIO and Interim CEO for Savills Investment Management, says: “Shu is a highly respected investment manager in Japan with an enviable industry track record. We are delighted to bring him on board to lead our business in Japan where we see significant opportunities for growth and a strong market opportunity for clients. He will bring a wealth of experience with strong leadership and I very much look forward to working with him, again”.
Shu Watanabe, as Head of Japan for Savills Investment Management, says: “I am very much honored and excited to join Savills Investment management and work alongside great people, with the aspiration of further growing the business in Japan. As the Japanese market continues to evolve creating compelling investment opportunities for our clients, I am thrilled to work as part of the Savills Group combining global presence with local expertise”.