JLL names Singapore, Thailand country heads as it eyes regional growth

REAL estate services firm JLL has promoted Chris Archibold to its Singapore country head, a spokesperson told The Business Times (BT) on Monday.

Mr Archibold takes over the role from Chris Fossick, who continues to be chief executive officer (CEO) for South-east Asia.

Meanwhile, Michael Glancy will succeed Suphin Mechuchep as JLL's Thailand country head, as Ms Mechuchep is named chairperson for Thailand.

These three new appointments are effective from January 2021, the spokesperson said.

Besides being part of the firm's succession planning, the leadership changes are also meant to strengthen JLL's capabilities and align with its growth ambitions in the region.

"South-east Asia is a fast-growing region with a robust real estate sector, and we want to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve while continuing to deliver excellent services for our clients," said Mr Fossick.

"With a strong management structure leading our team in the region, we'll be well-placed to help our clients navigate the evolving future of the workplace amidst this time of economic uncertainty," he added.

Mr Archibold, Mr Glancy and Ms Mechuchep will report to Mr Fossick.

As country head for Singapore, Mr Archibold will drive the city-state's sales strategy and business development by connecting the local and regional business functions as well as leading the markets advisory team.

Mr Archibold has worked with JLL in Singapore for 17 years, and was most recently the head of leasing, a role he assumed in 2018 after he had spearheaded the office leasing business.

Over in Thailand, Mr Glancy will likewise be responsible for managing the country's business growth. He was with JLL Hong Kong for a decade before relocating to Bangkok in February 2020, when he started heading Thailand's transaction business.

Mr Glancy will work closely with regional and local business lines to generate new business leads and opportunities.

Ms Mechuchep, as the new chairperson for Thailand, will continue to drive key business priorities and nurture the strong client networks she has built during her career at JLL, which has spanned three decades. She managed and expanded the company during her 17 years as country head.

Mr Fossick said that as the real estate sector enters "one of the most complex periods" it has ever seen, JLL will be there for its clients "every step of the way to provide them with timely and comprehensive advice".

Other recent or upcoming executive moves in the Singapore property industry include that of Christine Li, who is leaving Cushman & Wakefield as head of research for Singapore and South-east Asia to join Knight Frank, BT reported last week.

READ MORE: C&W's Christine Li to join Knight Frank; Colliers hires JLL's Joseph Yee