ULI Asia Pacific Names New CEO as David Faulkner Retires

The Urban Land Institute has named new leadership for its Asia Pacific operation with the industry non-profit on Wednesday announcing Alan Beebe as its chief executive officer for the region.

Beebe, who had served until early last year as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, takes over the top role at the US-based organisation from David Faulkner who is retiring as ULI APAC president on 18 August.

“Alan’s proven business acumen and decades of leadership in the Asia Pacific region, combined with his understanding of the opportunities and complexities of conducting business in the region, will be invaluable assets to our team,” said ULI Global CEO Ron Pressman. “As ULI charts a path for further growth and more local engagement in APAC, particularly in vital markets like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, I am confident that his strategic guidance will only further strengthen our position and enable us to drive profound and lasting impact in the cities and communities we serve.”

The ULI said in a statement announcing the transition that Beebe’s appointment takes effect immediately.

More Members, Increased Engagement

In his new position Beebe is expected to lead ULI Asia Pacific’s growth in the region from Hong Kong, including expanding membership and increasing engagement through programs and events, as well as via education and training initiatives fostering best practices for equitable and sustainable land use in the region.

The new CEO is also tasked with driving impact in local communities through ongoing programs such as technical assistance panels through which ULI members provide advice to local governments, public agencies and nonprofit organizations on land use and real estate issues.

“Asia Pacific is urbanising rapidly as countries across the region continue to enjoy economic growth, but its communities also face complex challenges related to climate change, lack of affordable housing, and the need to plan for sustainable growth, Beebe said. “At this critical juncture, I am passionate about the vital role ULI APAC is playing in bringing cross-disciplinary experts and stakeholders together to build resilient, sustainable, and thriving cities of the future.”

Beebe led the operations of AmCham China in Beijing from 2016 through March of last year and continues to serve on the board of the non-profit, according to his LinkedIn profile.

During his earlier career in the for-profit sector, Beebe worked as a strategy and management consultant serving stints with Ernst & Young and IBM in China where he advised on manufacturing, real estate, energy, green technologies and other areas.

Leadership Handover

With Beebe set to take charge of the ULI in the region, David Faulkner will be leaving after three years leading the organisation’s operations from Hong Kong. Leaving the role which he took on in 2020, the property industry veteran will continue to assist with the ULI’s efforts as a consultant after starting his real estate career in London in 1979.

Having relocated to Hong Kong in 1984, Faulkner spent 15 years with Brooke Hillier Parker and its successor, Insignia Brooke before the latter company was acquired by CB Richard Ellis (now CBRE) in 2003. At Insignia Brooke, Faulkner was employed by Nicholas Brooke, who was ULI chairman from 2018 through 2021, when National University of Singapore professor Khoo Teng Chye took the helm of the organisation.

Faulker also spent more than 20 years at Colliers in Hong Kong where he served as a managing director overseeing valuation and advisory services in Asia.

The ULI now has more than 48,000 members globally, including nearly 3,000 members across key APAC markets – Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as recently announced chapters in India and Vietnam.