CHICAGO, June 18, 2026 – JLL announced today that it has appointed Chris Fernandez to lead its Workplace Management (WPM) business across the Americas, where he will oversee teams, enhance operational performance and deploy future capabilities to accelerate growth.
In his new role, Fernandez will leverage his two decades of corporate real estate experience to drive strategy for workplace optimization, facilities management, engineering, employee experience, technical building services, sustainable operations and occupancy management across client accounts.
“Chris has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in delivering innovative solutions that enhance client experiences and drive operational excellence,” said Dr. Paul Morgan, Global Chief Operating Officer, Real Estate Management Services at JLL and head of Workplace Management. “His deep understanding of workplace strategy, combined with his proven track record in managing complex client transitions, makes him the ideal leader to advance our Workplace Management capabilities across the Americas and strengthens our position as the partner of choice for organizations navigating the evolving workplace landscape.”
Fernandez will continue his role as Global Leader for JLL’s Client Onboarding Experience Team (COET), which is focused on enhancing client relationships through engagement starting at the solution, into due diligence, and through the transition and stabilization of JLL’s new accounts. Based in Austin, Texas, his roots in the industry stem from the construction sector, where he began with JLL’s Project Development Services (PDS) business and became one of JLL’s originally LEED accredited employees in 2007.
Prior to joining JLL in 2006, Fernandez was a construction engineer for The Beck Group and served as an officer in the United States Air Force, where he oversaw construction management. He was graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction science.
“I’m honored to take on this expanded role at such a pivotal time for workplace management,” Fernandez said. “Our clients are reimagining how their workplaces support business objectives and employee wellbeing, while adapting to the pace of change with AI and robotics in those workplaces. By integrating our expertise across facilities management, technical services and employee experience and staying at the front of the pack when it comes to the application of AI and robotics; we can deliver comprehensive solutions that not only meet today’s challenges but position our clients for long-term success in this dynamic environment.”
Fernandez assumes the role at a time when demand for skilled trades talent in commercial real estate is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to recent JLL Workplace Management research, job postings for skilled trades have doubled over the past decade, outpacing demand for knowledge workers and other major occupation categories. The research projects that by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions could go unfilled, with potential economic losses reaching $1 trillion annually. As buildings become increasingly sophisticated with smart technologies and automated systems, the role of skilled trades workers continues to evolve, requiring expanded capabilities in digital tools, advanced building systems and complex asset management.
JLL Real Estate Management Services (REMS) partners with leading organizations across industry sectors, creating environments that achieve a more human-centric, resilient and responsible approach to shaping a better world of work. With more than 87,000 local and global specialists across 80+ countries, the team enables the world of work, serving occupiers and investors of real estate. We improve workplace experiences, drive efficient operations and help our clients future-proof their real estate portfolios. We provide integrated services, including Workplace Management, Project Management, Property Management and Portfolio Services. Through technology-enabled solutions, REMS creates and manages safe and inspiring spaces around the world — including 166M SF of WELL-certified space — for people to collaborate, innovate and drive meaningful change anywhere that work is performed. REMS manages over 5 billion square feet of real estate.
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About JLL
JLL (NYSE:JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company with annual revenue of $26.1 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 113,000 as of March 31, 2026. For over 200 years, clients have trusted JLL, a Fortune 500® company, to help them confidently buy, build, occupy, manage and invest across a variety of industries and property types, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail and data center properties. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY. Powered by rich global datasets and leading technology capabilities, we provide coordinated, end-to-end delivery of real estate services for a broad range of global clients who represent a wide variety of industries. Through LaSalle Investment Management, we invest for clients on a global basis in both private assets and publicly traded real estate securities. For further information, visit jll.com
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