Leading real estate investment and advisory firm JLL has appointed Phil Batty as the new head of integrated facilities management (IFM) for Middle East and North Africa (Mena) to support its growing presence across the region.

Based in Dubai, Batty will be responsible for strategy, operations and new business development for the regional IFM business, said a statement.

He bring nearly 40 years’ experience, having held senior operational positions with many of the industry’s leading companies, including Emaar Properties, Knightsbridge Chemicals, Abu Dhabi General Services, Dawn Foods, Johnson Controls and Nestlé.

JLL’s IFM team proactively measures and manages the performance of corporate clients’ buildings. It also maximises the efficiency of real estate staff, optimises operational spend through strategic sourcing and reduces building energy costs by lowering consumption, it said.

Alan Robertson, chief executive officer, JLL Mena, said: “We are delighted that Phil is joining our team to head IFM for the Mena region. Phil has many years of valuable experience and a wealth of market knowledge having been involved in a significant number of high profile and complex projects throughout the region.

“He will play a substantial role in the development and expansion of our operations in alignment with the company’s strategic plan and I know that his appointment will greatly benefit our many clients across the region with the wealth of knowledge he brings.”

“There is similarity between the services required by our property management investor clients and those provided to our corporate facilities management clients, as well as a growing demand for high quality facilities management advisory.  Our joint facility/property management offering will be significantly strengthened by Phil’s involvement,” he added.

Magnus Akerberg, managing director, EMEA IFM at JLL, said: “As our business continues to grow and our footprint widens across the region, it is necessary to recruit someone of Phil’s calibre to help further develop our presence across Mena.

“His proven track record in facilities management at director level, and his knowledge and extensive experience of commercial and operational excellence will no doubt ensure that Phil is a valuable addition to the team.” - TradeArabia News Service