News release

JLL names new Greater China Chief Executive Officer

Seasoned executive and venture capital investor Bessie Lee to succeed KK Fung

July 21, 2021

Shanghai, 21 July 2021 - Global real estate consultancy JLL has appointed Bessie Lee as CEO, Greater China. She will succeed KK Fung, who is stepping into the role of Chairman, effective from 1 September 2021.

The announcement comes as part of the company’s commitment to capturing fresh opportunities in China – which is a priority market for JLL globally – through digital transformation and driving growth through technology-enabled services.

Based in Shanghai and starting on 1 September, Ms Lee will report to Anthony Couse, CEO, JLL Asia Pacific. In her new role, she will set the strategic direction for JLL’s China business, focusing on growing relationships with domestic and government clients, and increasing penetration of the company’s technology products.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bessie on board in China, which is one of the most exciting and fast-paced real estate markets in the world,” says Anthony Couse. “Bessie has an outstanding reputation for building and transforming businesses. Using her varied expertise from outside of the real estate industry, I know she will bring new ideas and original thinking as we drive our ongoing digital transformation journey.”

Ms Lee has more than 30 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry, exclusively across a number of companies within the WPP group in China. She took on increasingly senior leadership roles and was CEO of WPP China from 2013 to 2017, where she was responsible for 14,000 employees and more than US$1 billion in annual revenue. Most recently, she has been running a Venture Capital firm that is a strategic investor in and incubator of marketing technology start-ups in China. 

“KK has been an incredible asset to JLL over the last four decades and I cannot thank him enough for his dedication, commitment and contributions to the firm. He has built a high-performing team poised for future growth, pioneered proptech development in China, and continues to lead some of our key client relationships,” says Mr Couse.

In his 12 years as Greater China CEO, KK led the company in opening six new offices across the country, developing new online businesses, and forging strong relations with large corporates as well as city government authorities. As Chairman, Mr Fung will collaborate with Ms Lee and the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition, working together to advise both investor and occupier clients domestically and internationally.

“It’s an exciting time to join JLL as real estate becomes a focus and priority for the C-suite like never before,” says Ms Lee. “The pandemic has accelerated adoption of technology across many industries, including real estate. With its investment in and focus on technology, JLL is uniquely placed to grab the opportunities presented by digital transformation. I look forward to working with KK and the leadership team to take the business to the next level.”


About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.6 billion in 2020, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 91,000 as of March 31, 2021. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.