Planum Partners has appointed Chris Hynes as director responsible for real estate advisory and he will play a key role in growing the firm’s real estate activities.
The Announcement:
Advisory and investment firm Planum Partners has announced the appointment of Chris Hynes as part of the company’s strategic expansion.
Planum Partners has advised 60-plus clients on greenfield projects, capital raisings, and M&A, working as commercial and financial adviser on notable projects, such as:
• Atlassian’s new A$1.4 billion headquarters at Tech Central Sydney;
• Australian Unity’s $A 1.3 billion Herston Quarter redevelopment;
The firm has advised on more than $30 billion of projects and transactions covering the energy transition, circular economy, infrastructure and real estate sectors.
Mr Hynes joins Planum Partners as director responsible for real estate advisory, bringing more than three decades of industry experience.
Mr Hynes will play a key role in growing the firm’s real estate activities.
His appointment comes as Planum Partners seeks to expand, highlighted by the recent appointment of Shaun Newing as chief executive officer.
The firm has had a successful start to 2024, working with many local and international names including Igneo, abrdn, car park owner IPG, and Japanese investor Itochu on M&A and financings in the waste and infrastructure space.
CEO Shaun Newing said the appointment will help expand their presence.
“Chris’s addition to the Planum Partners team is a significant development as we expand our existing real estate advisory services in a transforming market. Now is a critical time for real estate users to reset their strategies,” Mr Newing said.
Mr Hynes has had an interesting career in which he initially had great success in the commercial real estate agency field.
Then, Mr Hynes had the courage and foresight to co-launch the highly regarded Perth-headquartered tenant advisory firm SwaleHynes, subsequently to be named GVA SwaleHynes and acquired by CBRE in 2007.
“Chris has a proven track record, having worked alongside Australia’s leading organisations, Mr Newing said.
“With his background as Head of Leasing and Workplace at Dexus and previously as Senior Managing Director of CBRE Global Corporate Services, he’s well-equipped to help users reset their strategies.
“Paired with Planum’s expertise, notably on the Atlassian project, there will be many user-led opportunities for investors and tenants.”
At its acquisition, GVA SwaleHynes was Australia’s largest independent property advisory practice.
The firm boasted a diverse clientele, including leading corporations, professional services firms, and government entities such as the ASX, Deloitte, ASIC, King & Wood Mallesons, QBE, PWC, Minter Ellison, ABL, Rio Tinto, and Woodside Energy.
“Having co-founded SwaleHynes that grew to become a national diversified practice, I was drawn to Planum Partners after witnessing its groundbreaking work with Atlassian and expansion to include corporate property advisory in its offering,” Mr Hynes said.
“With market trends signaling a resurgence in the office market, I look forward to re-engaging with large corporates to advise them on their real estate strategies, including property acquisitions, disposals, and executing strategic plans.”
“We are really excited to welcome Chris to our team,” Mr Newing said.
“His expertise and relationships will enhance Planum Partners real estate business, and our focus on markets central to Australia’s future.”
