Walton Global Strengthens Leadership Team with Board of Advisors Focused on Corporate Strategy and Growth
Walton Global, a real estate investment and land asset management company, today announces the introduction of its Board of Advisors to bolster its commitment to corporate governance, strategic direction and shareholder & stakeholder value.
As Senior Advisor and former 20-year Partner at Ernst & Young Canada, Neil Narfason, will serve as the board’s Chairman. In this position, Neil will leverage his expertise in corporate transactions and financial advisory services to drive insights into Walton’s growth and operational strategies. Neil also held the title of CFO at Walton Global from 2019-2020.
“This dynamic group of leaders marks an exciting and transformative step for Walton Global,” said Neil. “Our collective experience will guide the company as it navigates today’s complex market environments, ensuring sustainable growth and increased shareholder value.”
Joining Neil on the Board are other international business figures who bring diverse experiences and a wealth of knowledge:
- Dato Chan Tien Ghee – Holding a BA in Law and Sociology from the University of Warwick and a Barrister-at-Law degree from Gary’s Inn, London, Tien Ghee has vast legal and executive leadership experience. He serves as Chairman of Cardiff City Football Club and is an advisor to several international corporations. His career includes tenures as CEO of Central Malaysian Properties and Major Team Holdings Corporation PLC, as well as Deputy Chairman of Berjaya Assets Corporation PLC.
- Hideki Yano – Hideki’s tenure in real estate and asset management is marked by his roles as former President and CEO at Sumisho Realty Management and current Strategy & Product Director at ES-CON JAPAN. He is a licensed architect and real estate broker in Japan and is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from Kyoto University.
- Wayne Souza – Wayne boasts nearly half a century of legal experience, with previous roles including U.S. General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Law for Walton. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his ownership and leadership of Aloft Aviation, LLC and Conte’s Bike Shop.
- Gary Tom – Gary’s nearly 25-year tenure with Walton, ending as the Executive Vice President of Global Capital Markets, exemplifies his role in strategy formulation and execution – particularly concerning capital markets and Asian operations. With experience in the oil and gas industry, Gary’s broad expertise has significantly influenced Walton’s strategic and operational frameworks. He earned his engineering degree and Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
- Narayanan Sambasivan (“Sam”)– Sam is a seasoned risk and compliance expert with over two decades of experience across 40 countries, including 17 regulated markets. Formerly the Global Head of Risk and Compliance at Amicorp Group and Vice President at Credit Suisse, his extensive knowledge is integral in navigating complex regulatory environments and enhancing internal compliance frameworks at Walton.
- Choy-Soon Chua – Choy-Soon has amassed over 30 years of global real estate investment experience as founder of Cedar Investment Management. His career highlights include senior roles in investment and asset management with an eminent sovereign wealth fund and as Chief Investment Officer at SEB Asset Management and notable contributions at Wing Tai Holdings. A graduate of Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, he is proficient in English, German and Mandarin, with a strong focus on institutional real estate investments across continents.
The Board is tasked with several responsibilities that align with Walton’s goals and values. These include:
- Assessing and managing business risks to safeguard Walton’s asset base.
- Developing strategic direction and long-term goals in sync with the company’s mission and vision.
- Enhancing corporate compliance, environmental, safety, health policies and financial practices.
- Engaging with stakeholders, including government authorities, employees, “partners-in-business”, customers, the respective communities where Walton does business, and the public to foster relationships.
