UBS's Asia property research team has been ranked as the region's leading team in seven of the last eight years by Institutional Investor, and six of the last seven years by AsiaMoney.

"As the securitisation of property assets around the region accelerates - particularly in Singapore - maintaining a leading team in the property sector assumes an ever greater importance to our entire equities business. Alastair's appointment comes in time to meet our clients' substantial need and reflects our determination to continue delivering the most relevant research product in Asian property," said Pink.

With more than eight years experience covering listed REITs and property developers, Gillespie will have specific responsibility for regional REIT strategy and Singapore property. He will manage the team with Hong Kong-based Eric Wong, Joint Head of Asia Property Research, who will continue to be responsible for Hong Kong/China property and hotels.

Prior to joining UBS, Gillespie was with ABN Amro and BT Alex. Brown. He is currently a member of the Management Board of the Asian Public Real Estate Association (APREA). A CFA charter holder, Gillespie holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Merit) specializing in Finance, University of Wollongong, Australia.

Gillespie's appointment becomes effective on the 4th of September.