Mirvac has requested that any JLL Australia staff involved in its business transactions step aside during an investigation into events leading up to the commercial real estate and investment management company’s CEO stepping down.

Mirvac CEO Campbell Hanan told The Australian: “We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour from both inside our organisation and those we work with.”

Asian warehousing giant ESR has also made a public statement. A spokeswoman said: “ESR is concerned by the serious allegations regarding JLL. We are reviewing our current agreements with them and will not consider new engagements until we fully understand the findings of the independent investigation currently underway.”

JLL Australia announced last week that CEO Dan Kernaghan was leaving his role after 20 years, effective immediately. The company specialising in property and investment management across the commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail sectors.

His departure followed an investigation by The Australian.

Following Kernaghan’s departure, the company said it would continue to operate normally as it transitioned to a new CEO, with all client services and operations remaining unaffected. 

“Our leadership team brings deep knowledge of our business across Australia and New Zealand. We are committed to serving our clients across the region with the same level of excellence they have come to expect,” said Laura Adams, Chief Human Resources Officer, JLL.

In addition, JLL has appointed respected law firm Clyde & Co to lead a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding recent employment matters.

“JLL will consider further actions as appropriate based on the results of the investigation and in adherence to our values of teamwork, ethics, and excellence,” the company said.

Champions of Change Property Group convenor Peter Huddle said: “We are working together to make the property sector more gender equal, safe and inclusive.

“This includes our leaders continuing to pause, reflect, and take decisive actions when needed – and to make sure our workplace cultures match our ambitions.”