CHICAGO, June 18, 2026 – JLL announced today the appointment of Chris Fernandez as the new leader for its Workplace Management (WPM) business across the Americas. In this pivotal role, Fernandez will be responsible for overseeing a dedicated team, driving enhancements in operational performance, and deploying innovative future capabilities designed to accelerate growth within this crucial sector of the commercial real estate industry. This strategic move underscores JLL’s commitment to addressing the increasingly complex demands of modern workplaces and reinforces its position as a leader in shaping the future of work environments.
Fernandez steps into this expanded leadership position with over two decades of extensive experience in corporate real estate. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping and executing strategies focused on workplace optimization, comprehensive facilities management, sophisticated engineering solutions, the crucial element of employee experience, advanced technical building services, the growing imperative of sustainable operations, and efficient occupancy management. His purview will encompass a diverse range of client accounts, reflecting the broad spectrum of services JLL provides to organizations navigating the evolving landscape of their physical and operational footprints.
Dr. Paul Morgan, Global Chief Operating Officer for Real Estate Management Services at JLL and the overarching head of Workplace Management, expressed strong confidence in Fernandez’s capabilities. "Chris has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in delivering innovative solutions that enhance client experiences and drive operational excellence," stated Dr. Morgan. "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. This appointment further strengthens our position as the partner of choice for organizations navigating the evolving workplace landscape."
Fernandez will concurrently continue his responsibilities as the Global Leader for JLL’s Client Onboarding Experience Team (COET). This dual role highlights his multifaceted contributions to JLL’s client-centric approach. The COET is specifically designed to foster robust client relationships by ensuring a seamless and engaging experience from the initial solution phase through due diligence, and ultimately to the successful transition and stabilization of new accounts. This focus on client integration is critical in an industry where successful long-term partnerships are built on trust and demonstrated value from the outset.
Based in Austin, Texas, Fernandez’s deep roots in the industry trace back to the construction sector. His career began within JLL’s Project Development Services (PDS) business, where he played a significant role in shaping physical spaces. Notably, he was among JLL’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited employees in 2007, demonstrating an early commitment to sustainable building practices that are now a cornerstone of responsible real estate management.
Prior to his tenure at JLL, which commenced in 2006, Fernandez honed his skills as a construction engineer for The Beck Group. His foundational experience also includes service as an officer in the United States Air Force, where he was entrusted with overseeing construction management projects. This diverse background, spanning both private sector innovation and public service discipline, provides him with a unique and comprehensive perspective on the intricacies of building and managing complex environments. Fernandez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science from Texas A&M University, a testament to his rigorous academic and professional preparation for the demands of the field.
Reflecting on his new responsibilities, Fernandez articulated his enthusiasm and strategic vision. "I’m honored to take on this expanded role at such a pivotal time for workplace management," Fernandez remarked. "Our clients are reimagining how their workplaces support business objectives and employee wellbeing, while simultaneously adapting to the rapid pace of change driven by AI and robotics within these environments. By integrating our expertise across facilities management, technical services, and employee experience, and by remaining at the forefront of AI and robotics application, we can deliver comprehensive solutions. These solutions will not only address today’s challenges but will also position our clients for long-term success in this dynamic and ever-evolving landscape."
The timing of Fernandez’s appointment is particularly significant given the current unprecedented growth in demand for skilled trades talent within the commercial real estate sector. Recent research conducted by JLL’s Workplace Management division underscores this critical trend. The findings indicate that job postings for skilled trades have doubled over the past decade, a rate that significantly outpaces the demand for knowledge workers and other major occupational categories. Projections suggest a potential shortfall of 2.1 million skilled trades positions by 2030, which could translate into annual economic losses of up to $1 trillion.
This growing deficit is directly linked to the increasing sophistication of modern buildings. As commercial spaces become more integrated with smart technologies, automated systems, and complex building management platforms, the role of skilled trades workers is undergoing a profound transformation. The demands now require expanded capabilities, including proficiency with digital tools, a deep understanding of advanced building systems, and expertise in complex asset management. JLL’s proactive approach to strengthening its WPM leadership, with an emphasis on innovation and talent development, is therefore strategically aligned with these market realities.
JLL Real Estate Management Services (REMS) operates as a vital partner for leading organizations across a multitude of industry sectors. The division is dedicated to creating environments that embody a more human-centric, resilient, and responsible approach, contributing to the shaping of a better world of work. With a global network of over 87,000 local and international specialists operating in more than 80 countries, the REMS team is instrumental in enabling the global world of work, serving both occupiers and investors of real estate. Their core mission involves enhancing workplace experiences, driving operational efficiencies, and assisting clients in future-proofing their real estate portfolios.
The integrated services offered by REMS include Workplace Management, Project Management, Property Management, and Portfolio Services. Leveraging technology-enabled solutions, REMS is committed to creating and managing safe, inspiring, and productive spaces worldwide. This includes an impressive portfolio of 166 million square feet of WELL-certified space, signifying a dedication to health and wellbeing in the built environment. These spaces are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change, regardless of where work is performed. Across its operations, REMS manages an expansive 5 billion square feet of real estate globally, demonstrating the scale and impact of its services.
The Evolving Landscape of Workplace Management
The modern workplace is no longer solely defined by physical space; it is an intricate ecosystem where technology, employee wellbeing, and business objectives converge. JLL’s Workplace Management division is at the forefront of this evolution, offering strategic guidance and operational excellence to organizations striving to create environments that are both productive and adaptable. Fernandez’s leadership will be crucial in navigating this complex terrain, which includes:
- Technological Integration: As buildings become "smarter" with the integration of IoT devices, AI-powered analytics, and automated systems, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, maintain, and optimize these technologies is paramount. This includes expertise in Building Management Systems (BMS), cybersecurity for building infrastructure, and data analytics for space utilization and energy efficiency.
- Employee Experience (EX): Beyond amenities, the modern workplace must prioritize employee wellbeing, flexibility, and a sense of belonging. This involves designing spaces that support diverse work styles, incorporating elements of biophilic design, ensuring optimal air quality and lighting, and providing seamless digital tools for communication and collaboration.
- Sustainability and ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly influencing real estate decisions. JLL’s WPM services focus on reducing environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing, while also promoting social equity and responsible governance within building operations.
- Agility and Resilience: The ability of a workplace to adapt to changing business needs, unforeseen disruptions (like pandemics), and evolving workforce demographics is critical. This requires flexible space planning, robust business continuity plans, and a proactive approach to facilities management.
JLL’s Commitment to Innovation and Talent
JLL’s strategic investment in leadership roles like Chris Fernandez’s underscores its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and addressing critical market needs. The company’s research on the skilled trades shortage, highlighted in their newsroom, serves as a crucial call to action for the industry. By focusing on developing and retaining talent, and by embracing technological advancements, JLL aims to mitigate these challenges for its clients.
The company’s broader Real Estate Management Services (REMS) division, with its vast global reach and diverse service offerings, provides a robust platform for implementing innovative WPM strategies. The emphasis on creating human-centric and responsible environments aligns with a growing global consciousness around the impact of the built environment on both people and the planet.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a globally recognized leader in commercial real estate services and investment management. With annual revenues of $26.1 billion and operations spanning over 80 countries, JLL employs more than 113,000 professionals as of March 31, 2026. For over two centuries, clients have relied on JLL, a Fortune 500® company, for expert guidance in buying, building, occupying, managing, and investing in a wide array of property types, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail, and data center properties.
Driven by its core purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, JLL empowers its clients, employees, and communities to "SEE A BRIGHTER WAY." The company leverages rich global datasets and leading-edge technology capabilities to deliver coordinated, end-to-end real estate services. Through its subsidiary, LaSalle Investment Management, JLL also provides investment management services for clients on a global scale, encompassing both private assets and publicly traded real estate securities. For further information and to explore JLL’s latest news, videos, and research resources, please visit jll.com.
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