DWS today announced that Matthias Naumann has been appointed to the position as Chief  Investment Officer (CIO) Real Estate for Asia Pacific based in Sydney relocating from DWS’ Frankfurt  headquarters.

Matthias will report locally to Lidia Tomova, CEO of DWS Australia, as well as  Christopher Kimm, Head of Real Estate, APAC (based in Singapore). It marks DWS’ first ‘on the  ground’ real estate CIO signaling the platform’s growth aspirations. 

In his new role, Matthias will be responsible for identifying real estate investment opportunities across Asia Pacific where DWS already has an established presence in Australia, Korea, Japan and  Singapore working with their respective country heads, as well as exploring new markets for  strategic growth.

In addition, his relocation to Sydney comes as DWS continues to strengthen its  front office direct real estate platform in Australia under the leadership of George Anastasiou  offering transactions, asset management, also adding an Australia based research function in 2023.  

Matthias joined DWS in 2013 as the Head of European Real Estate Strategy. Since 2019 he has served  as the CIO of the European Real Estate platform which holds more than EUR 31 billion in real estate  assets under management.

Since January 2021, he has covered APAC as the real estate CIO in a  caretaker capacity alongside his European responsibilities.

In this time, he has spent significant time in the region whilst also chairing the APAC Real Estate Investment Committee and holding positions on both the Europe & APAC Real Estate Leadership Teams. Prior, Matthias served as a senior analyst  at AXA Investment Managers, London and for Invesco Real Estate GmbH in Munich.  

Lidia Tomova, CEO of DWS Australia and Head of the Coverage Division, Australia and NZ said: “It’s a great privilege to have someone with Matthias’ experience join our Sydney headquarters, further strengthening the DWS Australia franchise.

His extensive knowledge and proven ability as a real estate CIO will further enrich not only the wider APAC business, but also our established Australian real estate platform which spans an investment heritage of almost 30 years.”

She added: “Matthias  Sydney base highlights DWS’ strategic focus and belief in Australian real estate and its investment opportunities.” 

Matthias Naumann, CIO Real Estate, Asia Pacific said: “Following extensive time spent in Asia  Pacific, the timing was right to relocate having developed a sound understanding of the region, it’s nuances and unique investment characteristics.

Australia was the logical location as a strategic priority of DWS offering a dynamic full service real estate platform under George’s leadership.”

He added: “As a new investment cycle emerges, we believe Australian Real Estate will offer immediate  investment opportunities in BTR, Logistics and Next Generation Office.” 

Christopher Kimm, Head of Real Estate, Asia Pacific said: “We are pleased to welcome Matthias to  DWS’ Asia Pacific real estate business as our first dedicated real estate CIO in the region signifying our commitment to growing the platform.

Matthias’ substantial track record built with our  European real estate platform, combined with his already deep understanding of the APAC  investment market makes him an ideal candidate to support the regions sustainable AuM and revenue growth through the upcoming investment cycle.”