Chris Ireland
Chairman, UK
Chris is responsible for setting the business strategy for the UK and ensuring it is delivered.
Real estate is not just about property, it’s also about building communities
Having joined international property consultancy King Sturge in 1979 as a graduate, Chris learnt his trade in the investor part of the business, holding a number of increasingly senior roles to become Joint Senior Partner.
Along came 2011 and King Sturge merged with JLL. Chris became UK Chairman and Lead Director for Capital Markets at JLL where, for half a decade, he was at the forefront of growing the investment business and developing alternative investment areas in student housing, health and senior living. He is also involved with the Strategic Advisory Group of the Investment Property Forum, after chairing the industry organisation from 2015-2016.
His time as CEO has been eventful. Appointed on 1 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union just 22 days later.
Away from work, Chris is a proud supporter of UK housing and homelessness charity Crisis. He also enjoys skiing and cycling to keep fit and can even be convinced to train for the odd triathlon.
He is married with three grown-up sons – one of whom also works in the real estate industry.