Executive Interview
Executive Interviews
An Interview with
Andy Lam
CEO
Baron Corporation HK
Baron Corporation HK is a real estate investment group specialising in mixed-use developments in Beijing, Shanghai and London. Over the past 18 years, we have developed from a small consultancy firm to a boutique real estate fund company and managing our service apartment assets in central Shanghai.
Publish Date:
3 April 2021
Tell us about your background, and what are you most passionate about?
I am an architect by professional training with extensive experiences in a complete real estate development cycle, ranging from initial design, project management, and quality execution to completion. Completed projects range from commercial to high-end residential developments in London, Hong Kong and various part of China and SE Asia.
With luck and support from our clients as investors, we develop our company into a one-stop-shop from deal origination to project execution to managing investor's return boutique fund house. My most passionate work is to see a quality design project (whether it is a major renovation or new build) from scratch to completion. To fulfil my investor's return and yet provide a quality new environment for the end-users.
Describe a time you had to make a tough decision (e.g. budget cuts, organizational restructuring, market withdrawal, etc.). What did you do and what was the result?
I remember during the 2008 financial crisis, our US investor pull out of our fund with short notice and cripple the working capital of our ongoing projects. Luckily, I manage to secure various anchor tenants with long lease tenure and convince the other investors to increase their shareholding ratio to cover the shortfalls. In the end, we sail past the crisis.
How would others define your communication style? Do you prefer to be close to your employees or maintain a healthy distance, and why?
My communication style is honest, direct and professional. After all, whatever business you are in, it is about whether people trust you. Building trust among your clients, partners, co-workers and colleagues are equally important.
As for my employees, we do maintain a good working relationship. They understand that I am compassionate to their roles within the family or at different stages in life. It is this understanding that they want to complete their task given.
How has the industry been changing in recent years? What do you think are the biggest challenges your industry will face in the next 5 years?
The market is constantly changing, and especially we are in a pandemic.
However, it also gives us new opportunities to develop and cater for the unique needs. We envisage major repositioning of different development categories in various areas based on demand and supply will precipitate within the next five years.
What personality traits make a good leader?
I am still learning to be one. But as I said above, making sure others trust you and follow you is one significant factor.
What does the future hold for your company?
We are in challenging times. Base on our networks and track records, we will use our agile company structure to continue developing various new niche market.