JLL has announced a leadership succession plan for its Ireland business, appointing Deirdre Costello as CEO of Ireland and John Moran as Chairman, effective January 2027. The company has also appointed Dan O’Connor as Head of Capital Markets and Hotels in Ireland, expanding his responsibilities across its investment advisory operations.
The leadership changes involve three executives with more than 90 years of combined experience at JLL and are intended to support the firm’s continued growth across leasing, capital markets, and real estate advisory services.
Costello currently serves as Head of Leasing Advisory, a position she will retain alongside her responsibilities as CEO.
She brings more than 30 years of experience at JLL and has advised on several major office developments in Dublin.
As CEO, she will oversee JLL’s Irish operations, lead its growth strategy, and coordinate its advisory capabilities across commercial real estate markets.
Her responsibilities will include supporting the firm’s client relationships while incorporating JLL’s international expertise, technology, and market research into its local operations.
Costello will succeed John Moran, who has served as CEO of JLL Ireland since 2009.
Moran has spent more than 40 years with the company and will move into the newly reintroduced role of Chairman in January 2027.
During his tenure as CEO, JLL Ireland expanded its capabilities across commercial property markets and developed relationships with institutional investors, property owners, and occupiers.
As Chairman, Moran will continue supporting the business while transferring executive leadership responsibilities to Costello.
The succession plan also establishes a revised leadership structure for JLL’s Capital Markets business in Ireland.
Dan O’Connor has been appointed Head of Capital Markets and Hotels, succeeding Moran in the Capital Markets leadership role while continuing to oversee the company’s hotel advisory business.
His appointment took effect on September 1, 2026, ahead of the planned CEO and Chairman transitions.
O’Connor has spent nearly 20 years at JLL and became Head of Hotels and Living in Ireland in 2023.
His experience includes advising on transactions involving hotels, residential properties, and other real estate investment categories.
In his expanded position, he will coordinate JLL’s Capital Markets activities across different property sectors while maintaining responsibility for the Hotels business.
The new leadership structure is intended to provide continuity as JLL Ireland develops its investment advisory and leasing businesses.
Matthew Richards, CEO of JLL UK and EMEA Capital Markets, said the appointments reflect the company’s focus on developing senior leadership talent internally.
For Costello, the transition represents a move from leading one of JLL Ireland’s principal advisory businesses to overseeing its broader operations.
Moran’s new role will allow him to maintain relationships with clients and other industry participants while supporting the next generation of leadership.
O’Connor’s appointment provides a dedicated executive for the Capital Markets business as the firm continues advising investors across Ireland’s commercial property markets.
Globally, JLL reported $26.1 billion in annual revenue and operated in more than 80 countries, with a workforce exceeding 112,000 employees as of June 30, 2026.
Its services span property leasing, investment sales, corporate real estate, property management, development advisory, and investment management.
The Irish leadership changes will take effect across September 2026 and January 2027 as the company completes its succession plan.
KEY QUOTES:
“These appointments reflect the exceptional leadership talent we have within JLL and our commitment to developing people throughout their careers. Deirdre, John and Dan are highly respected leaders who have each made a significant contribution to our success in Ireland.”
Matthew Richards, CEO of JLL UK and EMEA Capital Markets
“JLL has been my professional home for more than 30 years, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to lead our Ireland business. We have a very talented team, extremely strong client relationships and a tremendous platform for growth.”
Deirdre Costello, Incoming CEO of JLL Ireland
“It has been a privilege to lead JLL Ireland for the past 17 years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and the talented team we have built. I am excited to continue supporting the business in the role of Chairman as JLL Ireland enters its next phase of growth.”
John Moran, Incoming Chairman of JLL Ireland
“Ireland’s investment market continues to present significant opportunities for clients across asset classes. I am looking forward to working with our teams across all Capital Markets service lines to help clients navigate change, unlock value and achieve their strategic objectives.”
Dan O’Connor, Head of Capital Markets and Hotels at JLL Ireland
