JLL appoints new head of Midlands

Real estate services specialist JLL has appointed Stuart Smith to run its Birmingham office and lead the wider Midlands region.

Smith, who has been with the firm for two decades, will focus on building JLL’s regional presence and key client relationships, while retaining his national role as head of industrial and logistics valuations, across the UK.

He said: “This year will be pivotal for Birmingham and the wider Midlands region. The global spotlight is shining on us as we gear up to host the Commonwealth Games and there’s a progression of numerous infrastructure projects that will help the region to support its people and boost its local economy. Having lived and worked in the region for the last 20 years, I am passionate about supporting the people and places that make the Midlands so special, so I can’t wait to get started.”

The firm also recently appointed David Findlay as head of its Nottingham office. He will lead on all investment and client activities in the region, having been at the firm for the last 15 years.

JLL’s current Midlands’ and regions lead Ian Cornock, based in Birmingham, is taking on a new role and will head the business’ regeneration growth initiative.

Cornock added: “Regeneration and levelling up are at the heart of the political agenda, and property has a key role to play in helping to achieve these ambitions. Working with local stakeholders and the wider business community is essential to ensure the necessary changes take place and JLL is committed to helping to drive this progression. After a rewarding 14 years at the helm of JLL in the Midlands, I am looking forward to taking on this new and very important challenge.”

Simon Peacock will become head of regions at JLL and remain in charge of the South West, based in Bristol.