The E in our logomark is derived from Dr Walter Kwok’s signature. The word Empire is completed by succeeding members of his family.
By joining the two components together, Empire’s logo symbolizes our commitment to bringing Dr Kwok’s vision forward into the future.
About
Empire was founded in 2010 by Dr Walter Kwok, one of Hong Kong’s most influential and insightful business leaders and thinkers. Dr Kwok was the driving force behind many of the city’s iconic properties and commercial developments.
An innovator and pioneer, Dr Kwok was deeply influenced by classical Chinese culture. In China’s traditional view of empire, the highest ideal was a society in harmony.
During China’s most prosperous imperial periods, everyone had a role, and social mobility and progress was encouraged. Dr Kwok named his company Empire in recognition of these values.
Empire aims to create balance and alignment between the needs of our company, teams, partners, customers and society as a whole. We seek to create places that give people a sense of belonging in the community.
Empire continues to be committed to the principles of our founder. For our property projects, that means impeccable quality standards and attention to detail, and focusing on the needs of the end customer.
We will continue to champion ideas and innovations that promise to enhance people’s lives. We are always open to new business models and continue to seek out ways to harmonize macro societal trends.
Managed by an experienced team of investment professionals, Empire Group assets are allocated across a wide range of regions, industries and classes, including public market securities, private equity and venture capital.
The group has a strong interest in new economy ventures, spanning technology, healthcare, education and financial services within our ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) framework.
Empire Group’s unique investment philosophy focuses on strategic and tactical asset allocation within core and satellite portfolios. By combining rigorous due diligence and deep market research with economic data analysis, Empire Group diversifies its investments with the potential to generate long term returns, while supporting the well-being of the region in which it is deeply rooted.
Geoffrey became a director of Empire Group in October 2018. After graduating from Yale University, he worked as an investment banker with Morgan Stanley in New York and Hong Kong, where he obtained valuable experience in real estate as well as mergers and acquisitions. Geoffrey is also a non-executive director of Sun Hung Kai Properties, a large listed developer in Hong Kong. He currently manages Sun Hung Kai’s hotel division and is focused on developing its hotel business in Hong Kong and China.
Lesley joined Empire Group in July 2017. Her responsibilities include overseeing the company’s investment, property development and philanthropy operations. After graduating from Yale University, she worked with the leading luxury retail mall, ION Orchard, in Singapore and gained experience in retail property management and leasing. Following that, she earned an MBA from Columbia University before returning to Hong Kong to join the family office.
Jonathan joined Empire Group in October 2018 to oversee the group’s real estate investments, project developments, and asset management operations. After graduating from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, Jonathan worked at listed property investor CSI Properties, as well as CMB International Securities. He brings valuable experience in Hong Kong real estate investment, global investment analysis and hotel development.
Albert joined Empire Group in January 2016. He has over 24 years of experience in the architectural and property development industries. As a senior executive with major developers, he supervised the successful completion of numerous large-scale premium quality commercial, residential and hospitality properties. He is an authorised person (AP), registered architect and member of HKIA, HKICM and HKIPM.
Raymond joined Empire Group in January 2015 to assume responsibility for its financial operations, including accounting, treasury, internal controls, and back office functions. He has over 25 years of experience in public and commercial accounting, offering accounting, auditing and advisory services to listed and multinational companies in various sectors, including property and infrastructure. He is a qualified accountant and a fellow member with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Barry joined Empire Group in June 2018. Prior to that, he occupied senior leadership roles in prominent global private banks in Hong Kong, including at Standard Chartered Bank and Julius Baer. Since commencing his career in investment and corporate banking over 30 years ago, Barry has accumulated extensive experience in international banking, finance and investment and is a certified member of a number of professional financial institutions.