The appointment comes two years after the desk’s launch and adds capacity for client engagement and business development.

Tu joins from PwC Hungary’s CEE & CA China Desk, where she spent more than two years advising Chinese corporations and financial institutions on establishing operations and structuring transactions in Hungary and across Central and Eastern Europe. She completed her master’s degree in Budapest and has experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital injections, and financial and legal due diligence.

According to CBRE, the China Desk’s work has expanded beyond initial introductions to include explaining commercial and technical requirements, supporting negotiations and coordinating with specialist teams to complete transactions.

Recent assignments include a significant fire safety assessment mandate secured by CBRE’s project management team and support for a major Chinese occupier on a large logistics transaction in Poland.

Industrial and logistics leasing remains the desk’s core business. Electric vehicle and automotive supply chain companies continue to generate demand, alongside renewable energy companies, logistics providers and e-commerce businesses.

Requirements are becoming more complex as companies consider local production, including the technical specifications, interior construction and facility adaptations needed. The team also sees opportunities in investment and valuation and aims to develop its residential business.

“Chinese companies are taking a more selective approach to European expansion. For many of the companies we speak with, decisions are increasingly driven by concrete customer demand or secured orders. As their requirements become more complex, they need more specialized support. Expanding the team gives us more time to engage directly with clients, understand their needs and work with our specialist teams to bring projects to completion,” said Vicky Li, associate director of CBRE Hungary’s China Desk.

CBRE said Chinese companies are preparing projects more thoroughly, placing greater emphasis on long-term predictability, certainty of delivery and business fundamentals. Hungary remains among the locations under consideration, while the Budapest team also helps clients assess opportunities in Poland and Spain.

Tu Yunfeng

“Real estate decisions are closely linked to a company’s wider business plans. My transaction advisory background helps me look at property decisions from an investor’s perspective and align them with clients’ market-entry and expansion strategies. Having studied and worked in Budapest, I can also help Chinese clients understand local lease structures, regulatory requirements and approval timelines so they can plan for these early,” Tu said.

The China Desk plans to strengthen ties with Chinese business communities and chambers of commerce, particularly in Poland and Spain. It also aims to organize joint events and practical workshops covering industrial leasing, property acquisitions and establishing European operations.