JLL’s Jeff Pearey retires
After a career spanning 40 years, including 20 years at the helm of the office agency market in Leeds for JLL, Pearey will be stepping down at the end of the month.
During his career, Pearey has risen to be senior director for UK regional office agency at JLL and specialises in leasing, development, and tenant representation.
Pearey started his career with a year as an estates surveyor for Cambridge City Council, before returning North to work at Renton & Renton.
He started to specialise in office agency in 1989 when he joined St Quintin, which was later acquired by CBRE.
During his 12-year stint he took on overall responsibility for the agency department comprising office, industrial, and retail in Leeds, and was made a partner.
In 2000 he made the move to Chesterton International, where he went on to head up the Leeds & Yorkshire regional office.
In 2006 he joined JLL, with responsibility for leading the real estate’s North East region covering Yorkshire, Teesside, and Tyne and Wear.
Pearey was the only Leeds-based Director with just 23 staff and within 15 years, the business had grown to more than 100 people.
He was also involved in the acquisition and integration of the King Sturge business.
During his career he also served as chair of the Leeds Chamber Property Forum for three years from 2016-2019, remaining on the board until 2023, and sat on the regional chapter of the Confederation of British Industry for six years from 2015.
Announcing his retirement on LinkedIn, Pearey said: “Having now almost spent half of my 40 year [career] at JLL, I’ve taken the decision to step back and at the end of this month I am retiring.
“I’ve enjoyed a great career working alongside some of the best people in the business, whether they be clients, colleagues, or fellow professionals.
“I’ve also helped nurture the careers of many who have gone on to have fantastic careers of their own. I’m leaving the business in good health and in very safe hands.
“I’ve enjoyed leasing offices, being a part of many developments, and acquiring offices for some great occupiers.
“Whilst I may ultimately undertake some other work in a different guise, there’s no rush for that and for now I’m going to enjoy some ‘me time’ and some family time.”
