Karim AzarManaging Director, Retail Detail Limited
Karim Azar has over 25 years of real estate experience, specializing primarily in the design, management, development and operational strategy of retail malls He has worked on many such projects across Asia.
Karim is currently Managing Director and Founder of Retail Detail Limited, an advisory practice with consulting assignments for some of the largest and highest profile, mixed use retail projects in the Asia Pacific region
Karim previously served as General Manager of the International Finance Centre Management Co., a joint venture between Sun Hung Kai Properties and Henderson Land, (and held this role for 11 years and worked for the group for over 17 years on their projects in HK and in China) Retail Detail currently consults for the K11 Brand, assisting the group around the construction, renovation and mall roll out strategy across China and currently has 5 in build projects in the pipeline.
In the early stages of his career, Karim was mentored by Mr. CY Leung (Previous Chief Executive Elect of Hong Kong) where he worked as a Director of the Residential Department, specializing in the sales and leasing of high-end residential properties in Hong Kong and Europe. Equipped with a comprehensive and holistic understanding of real estate, coupled with his unrelenting ambition , Karim went on to assume the role of Deputy Manager of the Chairman’s office in Sun Hung Kai Properties, Hong Kong’s largest and most respected property developer. This venture played a pivotal role in enabling Karim to develop many of the distinct attributes that characterize him today.
More than ten years on, Karim’s loyalty and undeniable work ethic earned him the title of General Manager of IFC mall, Hong Kong’s premier retail landmark. His acute attention to detail, refined appreciation and understanding of the finest international and local brands, as well as his trademark hands-on approach to retail leasing and management, helped to transform the mall into the vibrant retail (oasis/paragon/paradise} that it is today. His mission and dedication has taken him around the globe on countless trips to recruit and research the latest fashion and consumer trends. He is responsible for attracting both global giants and luxury niche overseas boutiques to Hong Kong. Notable examples include Valextra, Tom Ford, Lanvin, Loro Piana, Zara, Apple, Tory Burch, Pomellato, Diptyque, Brunello Cucinelli and many more. As a result of his expertise, passion and drive, Karim has developed an extensive and close network with key leaders across the retail and real estate landscape on a global basis, and is sought out for his expertise on a range of diverse real estate issues.
Karim was born in Hong Kong, of British and Lebanese descent, and was educated overseas at the finest institutions in USA, UK and Switzerland and speaks fluent English, French and Italian as well as basic Cantonese.
