How is Hines structured as a company?
We have more than 3,000 employees around the world. We do not participate in the company, because it is privately owned. However we do participate in the success of the company. A huge part of the profits gets distributed to the partners. It works both ways – when we make a profit, I get a nice cheque and when we make a loss I have to write a cheque. And this is true for all of my colleagues around the world.
This is key to why Hines was able to create an international platform, not just a US base, because we have entrepreneurs all around the world and the decisions are made locally. The Hines family can be sure that if I propose a deal here in the Middle East, my wealth is at risk and this is the best insurance premium for them.
Also, our success comes from the fact that we have the best investors in the world, all well-known names. And, over the last 15-20 years we have developed our international tenant base which gives us a competitive advantage, vis à vis other companies.