JLL announces Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

AUSTRALIA, 7 February 2023 – JLL, a leading professional services firm that specialises in real estate and investment management, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kara Collins as the new Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) for Australia and New Zealand.

This strategic and dedicated role will further strengthen JLL's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Dan Kernaghan, JLL’s CEO – Australia & New Zealand, said, “Kara's appointment as the Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion underscores JLL's steadfast commitment to driving positive change and creating a more inclusive future. Her leadership and passion will undoubtedly inspire our employees to embrace diversity and champion equitable practices throughout our organisation.”

Kara has been an integral part of JLL since joining the company in 2018 as a senior property manager. In addition to her full-time role, Kara has also led the state and national DE&I committees, where she has played a crucial role in shaping a culture that values differences and encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work.

JLL’s Head of Human Resources – Australia & New Zealand, Julie Skinner said, “JLL ANZ’s inaugural appointment of a dedicated Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader is a commitment to champion change for the future of our clients, communities, and team members. JLL is committed to Gender equity, Reconciliation, Inclusion and belonging, volunteering in our communities and to ensuring our teams are safe, respected and belong in our flourishing workplaces.

“Welcoming Kara Collins into the DE&I Leader role is an extension of her six years of commitment to JLL’s clients and an opportunity to innovate in our DE&I deliverables to all stakeholders. I’m thrilled to be working with Kara on these initiatives and we have an exciting, continued journey ahead of us, said Ms Skinner.

As the Head of DE&I, Kara will report to Nashunda Williams, the Global Head of DE&I, and will work closely with key clients, stakeholders, and the DE&I teams in Australia and New Zealand to deliver global, regional, and local DE&I strategies.

Ms Williams said, “Kara’s past accomplishments and experience reflects her commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments, where employees feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. We look forward to the positive impact she will have in driving JLL’s DEI journey and creating lasting, transformative change.”

Throughout her tenure at JLL, Kara has not only demonstrated outstanding leadership but has also received several accolades, including winning JLL's Australian and APAC DE&I Awards in 2020. She was also a finalist in the WA PCA Property Leader of the Year Award in 2022.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Collins said, “JLL has continuously shown a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I am honoured to be entrusted with leading these efforts for Australia and New Zealand. I am excited to work with the passionate DE&I teams and leverage JLL's extensive resources to ensure our workplace is an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive.

“We are fortunate that our clients are keen to partner with us in our Diversity endeavours, and we do not underestimate the role we can play in ensuring that the communities in which we operate are inclusive for all. I look forward to personally supporting our team in their partnership with our clients in this important work,” said Ms Collins.

Kara's appointment as Head of DE&I showcases JLL's ongoing dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and externally within the property industry.