Alex Barnes
Managing Director, Hong Kong and Macau
“You are old a long time, so push yourself to do things that go beyond what you think is within your ability while you can!”
Client engagement should start with questions. Taking a different perspective on what our clients’ challenges, often presents new opportunities. That’s the view of Alex Barnes, who has over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and joined JLL in 2005.
“We must understand where our developer clients can add long-term value, and how that links to the evolving needs of occupiers. The goal is to position our clients as leaders in their fields, while addressing real estate problems with forward-looking solutions.,” Alex says.
A native of Brisbane, Alex first arrived in Hong Kong as a 24-year-old on a short trip, making a permanent move to the city a few months later in search of adventure. His work life in Hong Kong began with Office Leasing Advisory (formerly Markets) at JLL. Since then, he has partnered with teams across the business, and has been exposed to many different perspectives on client servicing in the process.
Alex has led JLL's Office Leasing Advisory (OLA) business since 2018. Under his leadership, the OLA team has extended its leading position in Hong Kong. Upon promotion to Head of Agency Leasing in 2021, Alex oversees retail and logistics & industrial leasing.
“Over the years, I realise that to be successful you need an empowering place to work, with opportunity and great people. You also need to put your hand up, take risks and get involved in as much as you can for the business. The individual opportunities come as a result of the challenge, experience, and perspective,” Alex says.
Special to JLL has been the willingness of colleagues and business leaders to grow the business and each other.
“The firm supports ethical behaviour and values, and the notion to influence the future for the better. JLL wants to hear from staff on our ideas, and how we can help propel the business and support our people,” he adds.
Alex is actively involved on mental health awareness, and diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives as a member of The Women’s Foundation Male Allies group and the JLL Hong Kong D&I Committee. He regularly volunteers to support community and corporate events that align to these values and JLL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
Outside of work, exercise and family keeps Alex – in his words “happy, sane and aware of what he may be able to achieve.”