SINGAPORE, Sept. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Unispace, a global leader in workspace strategy, design and construction, has announced the appointments of a new Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), to champion client-centred solutions and drive growth in key international markets, amid the accelerated shift in commercial real estate brought about by COVID-19.
Established in Sydney, Australia in 2010, Unispace revolutionised the workplace delivery model with an integrated approach to strategy, design, project management and construction. In 2018, Unispace expanded its presence in Asia to support clients and partners with a full global offering – with offices in Singapore, its regional headquarters, and Hong Kong, a key location for expansion in North Asia.
Steven Quick, former CEO of Global Occupier Services at Cushman & Wakefield, and previously Executive Managing Director at CBRE, is the new Global CEO of Unispace. Based in Chicago, Quick will lead the company’s growth efforts around longer-term client relationships, and design and build concepts that keep human behaviour top of mind.
“The commercial real estate industry is largely transactional by nature, but we want to change that paradigm and work with clients on a closer ongoing and consultative basis – and Unispace is in the best position to do that,” Quick said. “COVID-19 has essentially condensed the next decade of commercial real estate evolution into a matter of months. However, beyond the current pandemic, there will be a stronger emphasis on the office as a gathering place to do business, and to reap the emotional benefits of face-to-face connectivity. We envision a future where the workplace will focus on innovation, collaboration, community and culture-building.”
Taking up the CRO position later this month is Michael Casolo, also formerly of Cushman & Wakefield, JLL for 10 years, and most recently, hedge fund giant Bridgewater Associates (and its partner Genpact). Operating from New York, Casolo will be responsible for global business development and sales, increasing penetration in global markets, where untapped opportunity has been identified, and focusing on relationship-based, enterprise solutions for clients.
Unispace founders and former joint CEOs Gareth and Charles Hales have moved into advisory board roles and will retain an intimate connection to the business. “A decade into the Unispace journey, having built a strong and resilient business, it’s the right time for us to hand over the reins so we can focus on five- to 10-year strategic initiatives, such as mergers and acquisitions, and exploring new service offerings and geographies that will help us grow,” said Gareth Hales.
Unispace anticipates that approximately 20-30 per cent less office space would be needed by many occupiers when the worst of the pandemic is over, leaving companies to face tough decisions. “While businesses reassess their physical workplace needs during and beyond the pandemic, Unispace will continue to provide strategic advice and a full-service approach to meet evolving requirements and challenges,” said Toby Rakison, Managing Director, Asia, Unispace. “As we enter the next decade of business with new and existing clients, Asia continues to be a key pillar of our growth strategy. We’re excited to further build our presence in Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as new geographies such as India.”
Unispace has completed workplace projects for several international and regional clients. This includes Boston Scientific, Deliveroo and PwC across US and Europe, as well as ANZ in Australia, Fonterra in Japan, and Anaplan and Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Singapore – the latter being Singapore’s first full methodology project for an international client.
With a high-growth, multi-market strategy envisioned for Asia over the next five years, Unispace has plans to open additional studios in the region across the next 12 months, and deepen relationships by aligning methodology with local requirements, best practices and specific cultural demands.
About Unispace
In 2010, Unispace revolutionised the workplace delivery model with an industry-leading, joined-up approach to strategy, design and delivery. Today, the shareholder-owned business continues to lead the way with more than 5,500 workplace projects completed, presence across 25 countries, and 600+ employees worldwide. Its continued commitment to a better way for clients, coupled with strong client partnerships and a borderless way of working, help it to bring global brands’ workplace visions to life, seamlessly.