A New Era at LaSalle Investment Management
LaSalle Investment Management, the globally recognized investment management arm of JLL, has announced a significant transition within its leadership team. Starting January 1, 2026, Brad Gries will take the helm as Global CEO, while Tim Kessler will step into the role of President. This planned transition signifies LaSalle's ongoing commitment to excellence and strategic growth in the investment management sector.
Leadership Backgrounds
Mark Gabbay, the current Global CEO, will be transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman after a remarkable tenure that has notably strengthened LaSalle’s global platform. Gabbay joined LaSalle in 2010 as Chief Investment Officer for Asia Pacific and ascended through various leadership roles, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate the complexities of the real estate market, especially during challenging times like the global pandemic and fluctuating economic cycles.
During his time as CEO, Gabbay not only solidified LaSalle's position in the market but also enhanced its operational capabilities across crucial territories. His strategic initiatives have consistently delivered impressive investment performance for clients, raising the bar for industry standards.
Gabbay commented, “Leading this exceptional organization as Global CEO has been incredibly gratifying. Together, we have created a culture of performance, innovation, and collaboration that uniquely positions LaSalle in our industry. I am excited to work closely with Brad and Tim in their new roles to continue elevating LaSalle's success.”
The New Leadership
Brad Gries, who has been pivotal in LaSalle’s growth strategies, will now also take on the responsibilities of Global CEO. He has been affiliated with LaSalle's Global Management Committee since 2021, and his extensive experience and strategic insights into the business are expected to drive LaSalle's continued growth trajectory. Gries, based in Chicago, plans to build on LaSalle’s strong foundation to exceed client expectations and foster long-term relationships across global markets.
Reflecting on his new role, Gries stated, “It’s an honor to lead LaSalle during this exciting period. Our extensive global footprint and diverse product offerings position us well to navigate the future successfully.”
Tim Kessler, who concurrently serves as the Global COO, has been promoted to President. Kessler brings a comprehensive understanding of the business and is expected to play a crucial role in executing LaSalle's strategic vision alongside Gries. His appointment reinforces LaSalle's commitment to developing leadership internally and ensuring business continuity and growth.
Kessler expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth and the firm’s commitment to its workforce and clients. “I am privileged to serve as President at LaSalle. Our path forward is clear; we're focused on fostering strong client relationships and pursuing operational excellence,” he shared.
Strategic Implications of the Transition
The transition in leadership is a testament to LaSalle’s robust internal talent development strategies and the effective succession planning that underpins the firm’s operations. It reflects an adaptive approach prepared to tackle emerging challenges in the real estate and investment landscape.
LaSalle Investment Management, a subsidiary of JLL, manages an impressive $88.5 billion in assets globally across private and public real estate investments. With a diverse clientele ranging from pension funds to private individuals, LaSalle's commitment to its core values of innovation and excellence will be paramount in the years to come.
As the company prepares for this pivotal shift, the focus will be on maintaining high standards of performance while embracing new opportunities that arise in the constantly evolving investment climate. With Gries and Kessler at the forefront, LaSalle Investment Management is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the global market, ensuring continued success for its stakeholders.
For more information about LaSalle Investment Management, visit
www.lasalle.com.