Several senior executives have left JLL Australia following an external investigation into allegations regarding staff behaviour. 

The report commissioned by JLL saw Clyde & Co interview more than 50 employees in relation to complaints dating from 2022.

The global commercial real estate and investment management company, which specialises in commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties, has apologised for its initial handling of the allegations.

In a statement JLL global executive board member Richard Bloxam said: “We acknowledge there were significant shortcomings in certain areas of our business, especially related to inappropriate behaviours which were further exacerbated by poor executive decision making and lack of compliance with established policies and protocols.

“For that, we apologise to our people, our clients and the Australian business community. We are taking responsibility for these failings and are taking clear and necessary actions.

“We are determined to uphold a safer and more accountable organisation for the long term. We know that trust must be earned, and this work will continue until meaningful change is embedded in everything we do.”

Following the report’s recommendations, JLL Australia said it will aim to ensure “stronger leadership, clarified governance, enhanced training and open and transparent communication across the business”.

The company has not named the executives that have departed, citing privacy reasons.

The Australian Financial Review reports two executives – Peter Blade and Greg Pike – are suing the commercial real estate agency for millions of dollars.

On LinkedIn, Blade stated: “The treatment I have received from JLL has been appalling and caused immeasurable personal and professional harm. I wish to make it crystal clear that any suggestion of wrongdoing on my part is entirely false.”

Former Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand Dan Kernaghan is also considering legal action.

Earlier this month, JLL Australia appointed Luke Billiau as interim Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand.

“Our leadership team in Australia and New Zealand has done a tremendous job collectively over the last several weeks running our day-to-day business, supporting our people and executing high quality outcomes for clients,” said Bloxam.

“Appointing Luke to this critical role will provide even greater continuity for our people and clients and is an important step in continuing to demonstrate our commitment to living our values of teamwork, ethics and excellence. Luke brings a wealth of industry and leadership experience to this post and has the full confidence and support of myself and our entire Global Executive Board.”

Billiau has more than 17 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, including transacting institutional-grade investment assets, development opportunities and establishing capital partnerships. He has overseen nearly $13 billion of commercial real estate deals across the country and worked as a senior leader in JLL’s Valuation Advisory division. 

“I am honoured to take on this role and work alongside a group of passionate leaders,” said Billiau. “I look forward to partnering with our teams across the organisation to deliver growth for our people and clients.”