"With his extensive experience in financial and operational management, I am confident Mr. Akiyama will play a key leadership role in advancing the company toward its strategic goal of strengthening our position as the world's largest real estate services organization," says Rob Blain, chairman and CEO of CBRE's Asia Pacific team. Akiyama's background in corporate and project finance included major real estate projects, having participated in a variety of office and infrastructure developments while in London during the 1980s, and later undertaking similar ventures in Los Angeles.

Prior to joining CB Richard Ellis, Akiyama led the banking and securities divisions as Country Head for Bank of New York, and was concurrently president and CEO for the Bank of New York Securities Co. Japan Ltd. Responsibilities there included senior relationship management with clients, strategic planning and management. The bulk of his 30-year career was spent at the erstwhile Industrial Bank of Japan, now known as Mizuho Financial Group. Akiyama's tenure there included assignments in Japan, the UK and the US.

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