13 Years of Excellence: Nicholas Maclean’s Journey with CBRE Middle East

The dynamic Middle East real estate market owes much of its innovation and growth to key leaders such as Nicholas Maclean. For more than 13 years, Maclean has led the operations of CBRE in the region, transforming the global giant into a powerhouse for commercial property and real estate services across the Middle East. With a career spanning decades and continents, his leadership continues to shape the region’s property landscape, ensuring CBRE remains synonymous with excellence, innovation, and strategic foresight.

Nicholas Maclean started in 1987 when he joined St Quintin’s, which later merged with Insignia Richard Ellis to form CBRE, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate firms. Just eight years after joining, Maclean was admitted to partnership at St Quintin’s in 1996—a reflection of his outstanding talent and leadership potential. His international career really took off in 2001 when he devoted himself to developing cross-border European valuation advisory services. Maclean’s expertise and leadership became recognized by 2004, when he was appointed to lead CBRE’s operations in the Middle East, a decision that paved the way for transformational growth across the region.

Since taking the helm in the Middle East, Nicholas Maclean has managed CBRE through tremendous expansion and innovation. Under his stewardship, the company has expanded its footprint into major markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, providing cutting-edge solutions in valuation, advisory, property management, and investment services. This ability to predict market trends has been the main driver of CBRE’s ability to adapt to the challenges that the firm has faced, including fluctuating oil prices, changes in governmental regulations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His team’s focus on sustainability, technology-driven solutions, and client-centric strategies has earned CBRE a reputation as a trusted partner for investors, developers, and occupiers in the region.

Maclean’s vision goes beyond the CBRE corporate success. His leadership has contributed to the larger development of the Middle East real estate sector. An active fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Rating, Revenue, and Valuation (IRRV), Maclean is actively involved in projects that promote transparency, standards, and investor confidence within the region.

One of his key achievements is facilitating large-scale infrastructure projects in line with the economic visions of the countries of the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the diversification strategies of the UAE. Maclean ensures that the firm not only supports these initiatives but also contributes to building sustainable and future-ready cities through the expertise of CBRE.

The management style of Maclean reflects dedication to excellence. He is known for fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within CBRE. His approachable leadership inspires his team to deliver world-class services that exceed client expectations and drive tangible results. Maclean’s ability to maintain CBRE’s competitive edge stems from his deep understanding of the region’s complexities and opportunities. Whether it is supporting international investors or assisting local developers, his advice and tactics have always added value to the stakeholders.

Nicholas Maclean continues to be on the forefront of driving change and innovation in the ever-evolving Middle Eastern real estate market. CBRE’s focus on sustainability, technology adoption, and a client-first approach makes it well-equipped to navigate the emerging trends and challenges that lie ahead.

With over 35 years in the industry and a deep affection for the Middle East, Maclean is an all-around winner for CBRE. Nicholas Maclean can do everything from framing policy to delivering mega projects as he continues to drive forward the real estate industry here in the region.