
Mike Roche
Corporate Real Estate & Operations Executive | Portfolio Strategy & Transformation | EMEA & APAC
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About
Senior real estate leader overseeing up to 5.5m ft² international portfolios spanning 35 countries, with annual budgets exceeding £175m across EMEA and APAC. Delivers portfolio optimisation and strategy, modernising workplace, relocations and outsourced model transformation that generate measurable commercial returns and operational resilience. Trusted advisor aligning real estate strategies with business objectives across financial services, telecommunications and education sectors.
Experience
Head of International Real Estate & Operations at TIAA / Nuveen (2023-10 – 2026-04)
Direct the full real estate lifecycle, identifying, optimising and delivering improved solutions across 19 buildings (130,000 ft2) with indirect oversight of 15 additional international locations.
- Transformed lease strategy, CapEx planning and risk governance to enhance asset performance
- Optimised lease events and relocation strategy to improve cost base, quality of space and efficiency
- Delivered end-to-end solutions aligning workplace, ESG, compliance and business continuity
- Established MSA/LCA with FM, PMO, improved governance and integrated reporting
- Strengthened health & safety and sustainability compliance across the international estate
Director at NM Consulting Services Ltd (2021-03 – 2023-10)
Advised corporate clients on real estate restructuring, workplace strategy and operational resilience.
- Directed the restructuring of real estate delivery models, improving cost transparency and strengthening governance across client portfolios
- Advised occupiers on lease events and relocations, leading internal and external negotiations and strategic planning to strengthen commercial position and workplace outcomes
- Directed due diligence, portfolio reviews and fit-out programmes, managing complex materials and stakeholder inputs to support optimal real estate strategy and workplace improvement
- Strengthened FM and workplace delivery models, refining procurement strategy and improving service charge governance and operational performance
- Advanced health and safety compliance, sustainability integration and crisis management planning across property portfolios
Director (EMEA) at CBRE Contract for Credit Suisse (2020-03 – 2021-01)
Directed strategic planning and optimisation of a 2.7m ft2 EMEA occupied and sublet portfolio across 99 locations, including 400,000 ft2 of sublet space.
- Optimised transaction and asset strategy to reduce exposure to long standing issues and enhance value
- Consolidated surplus space through structured sublease programmes and reducing cost exposure
- Aligned portfolio strategy and capital efficiency with risk mitigation objectives
Head of Real Estate Transactions & Portfolio Management, EMEA at J.P. Morgan (2007 – 2019)
Held multiple senior leadership roles across the EMEA portfolio. 5.5m ft2 across 35 countries.
- Directed a complex real estate transaction portfolio of 128 leases, 48 subleases and 17 owned assets, ensuring governance, cost control and operational continuity with wider business and workplace objectives
- Modernised real estate delivery models across facilities management, capital projects and workplace strategy to improve efficiency, governance and service performance
- Mobilised and integrated outsourced FM, project management and transaction services across 29 countries, aligning with an established global operating model
- Provided strategic oversight of JLL, managing contracts with an annual value of £175m and driving service performance, governance and accountability
- Integrated M&A property portfolios, maintaining operational continuity, rationalising space and controlling costs
Head of Property – EMEA & APAC at BGC International (2005 – 2007)
Accountable to the Executive Board for shaping and executing property strategy across EMEA and APAC commercial offices and data centres with responsibility for a £15m operational budget.
- Managed Workplace and Facilities Management
- Delivered London HQ relocation (140,000 ft2) and two satellite offices
- Designed and implemented regional disaster recovery and business resumption frameworks
- Led lease negotiations, landlord engagement and M&A integration
- Directed group procurement, travel and insurance functions
- Strengthened portfolio governance across FM and capital delivery
Senior Operations Manager (UK Facilities) at Legal & General
Regional Facilities & Flexible Working Manager at O2
Residential Property Portfolio Manager at The Freshwater Group
Construction & Civil Engineer (Buildings, Marine & Civil Projects) at Alfred McAlpine Major Projects
Education
BSc (Hons) in Estate Management – University of Central England, Birmingham


