JLL Announces New Leadership Appointments to Drive Strategic Growth

On May 7, 2025, JLL unveiled significant leadership appointments aimed at reinforcing its position in the market. Effective from July 1, 2025, these changes include Karen Brennan stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Leasing Advisory business globally, and Kelly Howe taking on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Leadership Changes at JLL

Karen Brennan, who previously served as the CFO for JLL over the last five years, has been a key figure in shaping the company’s strategic direction. With over 25 years of experience within JLL, Brennan has held various leadership positions, demonstrating her capability and commitment to the firm’s objectives. Christian Ulbrich, President and CEO of JLL, expressed confidence in Brennan’s ability to continue delivering value to stakeholders, underscoring her extensive track record in leadership roles.

Brennan's ascent to CEO of Leasing Advisory is a reflection of JLL’s trust in her strategic vision and execution skills. She has a wealth of experience, having worked across major regions including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, and Hong Kong. Prior to her role as CFO, she spent two decades in JLL's real estate investment management subsidiary, culminating as the CEO of LaSalle Europe.

Alongside Brennan’s promotion, Kelly Howe, currently the CFO of Leasing Advisory, will replace her as CFO. Since joining JLL in January 2024, Howe has been recognized for her strategic insights and execution skills. Before JLL, she had an extensive career at the Boston Consulting Group, where she served as the North America CFO, leading financial initiatives that propelled business growth. Howe’s academic credentials include an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington.

The New Strategic Direction

As JLL navigates an evolving market landscape, these appointments signify a concerted effort to enhance leadership aimed at addressing the growing demands of clients and redefining growth strategies.

Ulbrich praised both leaders for their strengths, emphasizing their ability to impact client relations and drive significant results. Howe’s focus on performance, coupled with Brennan’s strategic oversight, is expected to lead JLL toward achieving substantial long-term objectives.

In addition to Brennan’s and Howe’s roles, Andy Poppink, currently the CEO of Leasing Advisory, will transition to become the CEO of Leasing Advisory for EMEA and APAC, reporting directly to Brennan. While stepping down from JLL’s Global Executive Board, Poppink will continue to support the Leasing Advisory team from a European base, reinforcing collaboration between these key regions and furthering JLL's commitment to its global client base.

Conclusion

These leadership changes at JLL come at a pivotal time, reflecting a robust response to market challenges and opportunities. With experienced leaders at the helm, including Karen Brennan and Kelly Howe, JLL is poised for continued growth and success in the dynamic real estate market. Stakeholders can expect a fresh approach to management that aligns with the evolving landscape of real estate advisory, emphasizing both strategic insight and operational excellence. As the firm embarks on this new chapter, the industry will undoubtedly be watching how these changes unfold and what innovations are to come.