Executive Director, Real Estate & Digital Infrastructure Finance, SPDA

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Primary: Strategic Leadership and Business Execution

Responsible for driving the overall Real Estate and Digital Infrastructure (REDI) business strategy across Asia Pacific in collaboration with Japanese Corporate Banking Department (JBAP) including:

• Business Strategy & Leadership

• Formulate and execute regional business strategy for real estate finance
• Lead and supervise REDI teams, including expatriate staff
• Ensure alignment with global strategy and governance frameworks

• Origination and Client Coverage

• Originate and execute real estate transactions with JBAP clients across APAC
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key clients, including Japanese corporates.
• Drive revenue growth and expand client base across APAC

• Deal Execution Oversight

• Oversee structuring, negotiation, and execution of transactions for JBAP clients.
• Provide guidance on complex deal structuring and risk assessment.
• Ensure effective coordination with credit, legal, and other relevant departments

2. Secondary: Governance, Coordination, and Portfolio Oversight

Responsible for ensuring strong governance, internal coordination, and portfolio discipline:

• Global Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary liaison with Global Digital Infrastructure Oversight Committee
• Ensure adherence to policies, profitability framework and risk frameworks

• Internal Coordination & Group Synergies

• Oversee collaboration between REDI and group companies (e.g., SMFL)
• Drive synergies across business lines to enhance deal capabilities and execution

• Strategic Initiatives & Internal Projects

• Lead engagement with relevant stakeholders in Head Office on:
• Model upgrades
• New initiatives
• New Product Committee (NPC) processes
• Ensure timely execution of strategic projects aligned with business priorities

• Portfolio Management & Reporting

• Oversee portfolio monitoring, risk analysis, and performance reporting
• Ensure robust reporting to senior management and relevant committees
• Monitor market trends and proactively manage portfolio risks

Requirements:

• 15+ years of relevant experience in banks, financial institutions, or real estate firms
• Proven track record in originating and executing large-scale real estate transactions
• Strong leadership and team management experience, including international teams
• Deep knowledge of real estate finance, structuring, and risk management across APAC
• Experience in engaging with global governance bodies and senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English
• Japanese language capability is advantageous for interaction with Japanese corporate clients and head office
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment