IRVINE, Calif. — MBK Real Estate LLC (MRE), an Irvine-based developer of seniors housing, multifamily and industrial real estate, has appointed Kenji Iwai as the company’s next chairman of the board and president.
Iwai succeeds Katsuo “Katsu” Yamanaka, who has led the company’s growth, including its entry into the logistics market, since 2017.
Iwai, who joined MRE’s parent company Mitsui & Co. Ltd. in 1997, will be responsible for the overall management of MRE. He will oversee the development and execution of the company’s strategic initiatives and goals, including its focus on the company’s expanding network of capital partners while guiding the organization’s fiscal function and performance.
Iwai has held various leadership positions within Mitsui & Co., most recently as deputy general manager, human resources and general affairs division and corporate planning division. He previously served as general manager of the U.S. real estate business, strategic planning and investment management department.
After earning a degree in engineering from the University of Tokyo, Iwai joined Mitsui in 1997 in the company’s residential business division in Tokyo. He has worked in various capacities in Asia, Europe, and the United States.