The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), in partnership with the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) awarded Calvin Li, Executive Vice President at JLL, with the Rising Star Award Asia during the HICAP event on 21 October 2022.
Calvin became aware of the hospitality industry at a young age working in the family restaurant his parents owned where he developed a deep interest and passion for F&B. He went on to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration with a minor in Real Estate at Cornell University. Calvin joined JLL in 2012 and is a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (London).
With JLL, Calvin leads the transaction advisory services (buy-side) across Asia Pacific, as well as valuations and consultancy in Southeast Asia. He is a member of the JLL Advisory and Asset Management leadership group where he takes the lead on many growth initiatives, with a particular focus on talent, development and diversity. Calvin is exceptionally dedicated and professional and has the backing of a great young team which he has developed at JLL.
Xander Nijnens, Managing Director, Head of Advisory for Asset Management at JLL commented, "His (Calvin's) broad knowledge of the hospitality markets and investment dynamics made him a key player in all our core client relationships. Despite his young age he can calmy and succinctly address any senior audience to capture their attention through his very credible knowledge of markets, transaction parameters, lending terms, depth of markets, operating challenges, and other aspects."
"Calvin is truly a Rising Star and has already accomplished so much in his career. It will be exciting to see how he continues to shape the future of the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific. We are honored to continue this partnership with HICAP to recognize emerging talent in the region." commented Andrea Belfanti, CEO of ISHC.
"We were delighted to have received such a large number of nominations representing quality emerging leaders from throughout the Asia Pacific region, which re-emphasizes that the future of the industry is in great hands," said Jeff Higley, President of The BHN Group. "Calvin's strong reputation and expertise in hotel transactions epitomize the tremendous talent pool of the next generation of hotel-industry leaders. His demeanor, work ethic and industry knowledge position Calvin for a successful and rewarding career ahead."
"To be honoured by the industry and my peers is incredibly rewarding and I am thankful for my team and family that have supported me during my career. This award encourages me to strive to do better and inspires me to continue providing the best advice to our clients and stakeholders." – Calvin Li
ISHC launched the Rising Star Award Asia in 2014 in partnership with HICAP to recognize young, emerging leaders in the Asia hospitality community. Nomination criteria requires an individual be 35 years or younger, currently working and living in Asia and working in the hospitality development and/or investment field. Past Rising Star Award Asia recipients include Siddhant Jhunjhunwala (2021), Corey Hamabata (2020), Daniel Yip (2019), Kieran Bestall (2018), Peter Harper (2017), Kiichi Mashita (2016), Nihat Ercan (2015) and Christopher Hur (2014).