"With his extensive experience in financial and operationalmanagement, I am confident Mr. Akiyama will play a key leadershiprole in advancing the company toward its strategic goal ofstrengthening our position as the world's largest real estateservices organization," says Rob Blain, chairman and CEO of CBRE'sAsia Pacific team. Akiyama's background in corporate and projectfinance included major real estate projects, having participated ina variety of office and infrastructure developments while in Londonduring the 1980s, and later undertaking similar ventures in LosAngeles.

Prior to joining CB Richard Ellis, Akiyama led the banking andsecurities divisions as Country Head for Bank of New York, and wasconcurrently president and CEO for the Bank of New York SecuritiesCo. Japan Ltd. Responsibilities there included senior relationshipmanagement with clients, strategic planning and management. Thebulk of his 30-year career was spent at the erstwhile IndustrialBank of Japan, now known as Mizuho Financial Group. Akiyama'stenure there included assignments in Japan, the UK and the US.

As of the new year, Akiyama will oversee the largest commercialreal estate services company in Japan, with 800 employees in 20offices. Formerly known as Ikoma, CB Richard Ellis in Japan wasfounded in 1970 and provides a full line of consulting andmanagement assistance to its international customer base. Enhancingcross-border opportunities will be among Akiyama's duties at CBRichard Ellis in Japan, as will business development.