Singapore – One of the leading professional services firms, JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), has announced the appointment of its new head of communications. Laura Vallis will be responsible for leading the globally integrated strategy, implementation, and delivery of the firm’s communications to employees, partners and external audiences. 

With the role to be effective this April, Vallis will be based in New York and reporting to CMO Siddharth Taparia

Vallis brings with her a broad global perspective across diverse industries and areas of expertise. She was most recently the first chief communications officer at Manulife, where she established an integrated global communications function for the company. Previously, she was managing director and global head of corporate communications for Barclays’ Corporate & Investment Bank. 

Furthermore, goes under her belt is serving as chief of staff to the president of Dow Jones and an extensive experience in the CPG industry, having spent much of her early career in corporate affairs leadership roles with AB InBev. 

Taparia said that as JLL tells the story of its renewed brand promise, which is to the message of ‘See a Brighter Way’, Vallis’ two-decade of communications experience will be integral in guiding how the firm shapes its narrative. 

“Her proven forward-looking thinking will support us in differentiating the JLL story in the market, from our technology ambition and sustainability efforts to our industry expertise,” commented Taparia.

Meanwhile, Vallis herself shared that the time is an exciting one to be joining JLL when commercial real estate can have far-reaching impact on some of the most pertinent issues of the present period. 

“I can’t wait to tell the story of JLL’s purpose of shaping the future of real estate for a better world supported by its more than 100,000 employees globally in 80 countries,” she concluded.