Jones Lang LaSalle today announced that Guy Grainger, its retail lead director and a UK board member, is to become its next UK Chief Executive with effect from January 1, 2013.
After three and a half years in the post, current UK Chief Executive, Andrew Gould, is preparing to move into a new senior regional EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) role next autumn and will first fulfil a personal goal to take a sabbatical break over summer 2013 after handing over his UK responsibilities.
In a series of linked changes, Jones Lang LaSalle also announced that Richard Batten will focus full-time on his expanding EMEA Management Board and region-wide leadership responsibilities from 1 January, handing on his UK chair role to Chris Ireland, another UK Board Member and lead director of capital markets in the UK. Mark Stupples will continue to play a key part in the firm's UK leadership in his on-going capacity as chief operating officer and UK board member.
Christian Ulbrich, Jones Lang LaSalle's EMEA Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our UK business doubled in size under Andrew's leadership, driven by the King Sturge merger and good organic growth. Following successful integration work, with a great platform in place across the UK, we are very grateful to Andrew and confident in supporting his view that the timing is now right to implement his long-held plan to take this sabbatical break after 23 highly successful years with the firm. We look forward to his return in a senior EMEA regional role next autumn."
Mr Ulbrich continued: "Guy Grainger has consistently demonstrated clear vision and motivational leadership in building our powerful UK retail business. He has played a key role at UK board level for a number of years. He will be an excellent leader of the UK business, supported by a strong and talented broader leadership group in our UK board and executive teams."
Richard Batten and Chris Ireland were joint managing partners at King Sturge at the time of its merger with Jones Lang LaSalle. Mr Ulbrich commented: "We are very fortunate to have the benefit of the extensive leadership skills and experience that Richard and Chris will bring to their respective new expanded roles. Both have already made substantial contributions in their first 18 months as part of Jones Lang LaSalle."
Andrew Gould, Guy Grainger, Richard Batten, Chris Ireland and Mark Stupples are all based in London.
Source: Jones Lang LaSalle
