James Macdonald was appointed as Head of Savills Research, China in 2007. He has the overall responsibility to ensure the successful delivery and expansion of Savills research capabilities as well as to consolidate and integrate all research activities across mainland China. The research team covers a wide range of cities and assets classes.

The increased capabilities of the Research department will support the continuing expansion of the company in one of the world’s fastest developing nations, securing Savills position as a dominant player in the China real estate market.

As the head of research James has spoken at numerous conferences hosted by PERE, REIW, MIPIM and ULI as well as various other chambers of commerce and investment banks, he is also frequently cited in both the trade press and mainstream business press.

Originally from London, UK, James has lived and worked in Shanghai since 2002. Since joining Savills that year, James has been actively involved in the growth of the Research department, advising and liaising with numerous international and domestic developers, and financial institutions.

Shaun Brodie is the Head of Occupier Research, Greater China and the Head of Research, East China.

With 20 years of experience in China, Shaun has a deep understanding of the country and its property market. In his role as Head of Occupier Research for the Greater China region, Shaun works closely with Cushman & Wakefield's Occupier Services Group in China and its Global Occupier Services Group to produce timely whitepaper's for the company's occupier clients. Recent topics covered include, Blockchain and its impact on commercial property, lease accounting changes and urban renewal, looking specifically at how best practice urban renewal in China can help cities in the region in their quest to become ‘excellent global cities’.
In his role as Head of Research, East China, Shaun is in charge of data collection, data analysis and the publication of quarterly reports on the property sector in Shanghai and the major second-tier cities within the Yangtze River Delta region.
As Vice Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce’s Real Estate and Construction Committee in Shanghai, Shaun is a regular guest speaker at property-related seminars and conferences. He also contributes articles to trade publications, journals and newspapers pertaining to his areas of expertise.

Luke Moffat has led CBRE in Eastern China since 2014, more than doubling the size of the business within 5 years. In 2020, Luke took on additional responsibilities across Greater China, heading up Advisory & Transaction Services. With more than 20 years of experience in the Commercial Real Estate industry, Luke is an expert especially in key markets such as Shanghai and Singapore. Luke helps to manage CBRE’s key business lines and client relationships in China with a specific focus on Office Leasing, Capital Markets, Retail Leasing, Industrial & Logistics, Valuations & Consulting, Property Management and Project Management.

Sam Xie currently leads the China Research team, tracking 18 major cities in China and providing market intelligence, forecast and advice to help clients formulate and execute their real estate strategies. Some of the 2020 and 2021 major reports published by Mr. Xie’s team include: China’s Response to COVID-19: Lessons for Landlords and Occupiers, Asia Pacific Retail Flash Survey - Mainland China, China 2030: New Decade, New Cycle, China Real Estate Market Outlook 2021, China Investor Intentions Survey 2021, Future of Workplace Chinese MNCs Workplace Survey Report, T25 China Tech District Rental Index, etc.