JLL has appointed experienced property and project construction leader Jennifer Gillett as the Head of JLL’s Project and Development Services (PDS) in Queensland.

The current Chair of the National Board of NAWIC - the National Association of Women in Construction - Ms Gillett has taken up the new role with JLL as of 3 June.

JLL’s Managing Director for Project and Development Services – Australia and New Zealand, Alan McKay said Jen is leading a team of 30 in Queensland, operating in sectors ranging from commercial, industrial, aged care, education and data centres to hotels, retail and defence.

“With more than two decades in the Queensland property and construction industry under her belt, Jen is an incredibly well-credentialled leader with strong industry connections, not just in the local market, but from a national perspective.

“With a clear vision to both capitalise on opportunity, and also create it, her track record speaks for itself, with a portfolio of achievement for high-profile organisations across corporate, investor and government entities,” Mr McKay said.

Ms Gillett’s industry experience includes sectors such as aviation, rail development, mining and resources, defence, commercial, retail development, health and manufacturing. 

In her professional capacity as a client-side Project Manager, Ms Gillett has led and contributed to numerous successful projects, including: 

• Terex Mobile Crane Operation & Manufacture Industrial Expansion 
• Virgin Australia New Canberra Airport Lounge & airside operations 
• Bankwest Retail Rebrand Program, WA
• Suncorp Brisbane HQ Commercial Consolidation Program 
• Suncorp development of Capital Works Environmental Management Plan 
• Arrow Energy QLD Community Centres
• QBuild, MMC Social housing program 
• Queensland Rail Central Station Upgrade Project

“With such wide experience across the industry, I can’t wait to see what Jen delivers for her colleagues in Queensland, our wider Australian PDS team and, most importantly, for our clients,” Mr McKay said. 

Ms Gillett is also involved in a wide range of industry organisations. These include membership of the Queensland Retirement Living Committee for the Property Council of Australia, inclusion on the Australian Construction Industry Forum and her position as chair of the National Association of Women in Construction board, an organisation with which she previously served as Queensland chapter president. 

For Ms Gillett, who holds both a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Applied Science and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, her professional success is underpinned by a full life outside the corporate world, with pursuits that include rugby union, trekking, opera and solo exhibitions as a photographer.

“The common factor across my personal and professional lives is a steadfast belief in the importance of the strength of individuals coming together to create innovative and successful teamwork, something I know JLL prioritises,” Ms Gillett said.

“Another big part of the reason I wanted to work with JLL was a shared alignment around values such as diversity and inclusion, which leads to best practice and growth.

“I’ve had the pleasure to work with teams from JLL on multiple occasions and I’m excited to now be part of the team,” said Ms Gillett.