JLL reshuffles European and Asian top spots

Jones Lang LaSalle announced on Tuesday that Christian Ulbrich, who leads its German business, is to become the new CEO of the European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) division.

Alastair Hughes, the current CEO for EMEA, is to take over from Peter Barge as CEO for Asia Pacific. Barge will become chairman for Asia Pacific in his last role before taking full retirement in 2010. Barge will also take 'strategic oversight of several development targets for global business lines,' JLL said.

The management changes at the second largest property advisory in the world take effect in January 2009.

Colin Dyer, Jones Lang LaSalle's global CEO, commented: 'These appointments recognise the outstanding contributions that Alastair, Christian and Peter have made to the firm and provide a clear demonstration of our depth of outstanding talent which ensures that our leadership changes are made smoothly and efficiently. Alastair, Christian and Peter will provide fresh perspectives and ideas in their new roles while maintaining the high levels of client service and focus on growth for which they are known.'

Ulbrich (42) joined the firm in early 2005 as head of its German business and he has driven JLL’s organic growth in Europe's largest economy, as well as the acquisition of Kemper's Group, Brune Consulting and other businesses. JLL said Germany's revenues have more than tripled and a loss-making business has been turned around into a profitable, dynamic operation. Since 2007, JLL has added four new offices, giving the firm a presence in ten cities across the country. In his new role as CEO for EMEA Christian will divide his time between London and Frankfurt.

The process is underway to find a new managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle's business in Germany.

Alastair Hughes (42) has worked at JLL for 20 years. He is relocating to Singapore. JLL said his contribution in EMEA has been transformational as profits rose over three fold and revenues nearly doubled in the three years to 2007. During the period the EMEA region experienced both robust organic growth and 13 key acquisitions. Hughes said: 'I have worked closely with Christian as he has transformed our German business into the powerhouse it is today. He has been an influential member of the EMEA Board and has played a major role in shaping our overall strategy during the last three years as we have sought to strengthen and grow. So there will be change but also continuity which is a powerful blend.'

Under Peter Barge’s (58) management the Asia Pacific business has tripled revenue in the last five years and significantly strengthened our services platform in the region. Profits grew at an average annual rate of over 100%. In the same period our staff grew from 8,000 to 16,000 and corporate office locations and project offices increased to 56 and over 500 respectively, JLL said.