Jane Zhu.
Jane Zhu, 31
Vice President at Clarion Partners
Jane Zhu’s path to the financing side of commercial real estate began with the industry’s design phase.
While studying architecture at the University of Southern California, Zhu decided midway through the five-year program that she wanted to go a different route.
“I had developed an interest in development,” said Zhu, who earned her bachelor’s in architecture in 2013. “I decided I would finish my five year architecture degree, get my architectural license, and then ultimately work towards becoming a developer.”
Zhu’s journey then took another turn when she attended Columbia for a master’s in real estate development and formed a passion for the financing end of the business. Her first job after graduating Columbia in 2015 focused on acquisitions and capital markets at Soho Properties, raising financing packages for development projects. Two years later, she landed at Clarion Partners as vice president in charge of acquisitions.
At Clarion, Zhu originates and evaluates investment opportunities in much of the Eastern U.S. in the sectors of multifamily, office, retail and industrial. Her average deal size is typically in the $100 million to $200 million range, depending on the market.
As far as near-term goals, Zhu is looking to continue Clarion’s deal momentum from 2021 and to further beef up her team. Working out of Clarion’s New York office, Zhu mainly works the Northeast, but has more recently also tackled transactions in the Southeast.
“I cover the East Coast from Maine to Florida, and as far west as Tennessee,” Zhu said. “From deal execution, deal sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, I have my hand in every aspect of the acquisition process.” —A.C.
