Talent moves across the Chicago and Midwest commercial real estate ecosystem are reshaping leadership benches at several firms with a focus on brokerage, advisory and construction services.
JLL has named Ann MacDiarmid executive vice president, retail corporate services, with responsibility for leading the firm's retail transaction management practice. Based in Chicago, MacDiarmid is charged with expanding JLL's transaction management services within retail corporate services, including oversight of the transaction management team, direct client relationship management for key accounts, and coordinating onboarding and program delivery for new clients. She will report to Walter Wahlfeldt, senior managing director for retail corporate services and Midwest retail lead.
Baird & Warner has appointed Jeanette Cutler as chief marketing officer. In her new position, Cutler will oversee strategic marketing, brand positioning, communications and growth initiatives intended to reinforce Baird & Warner's standing as a leading independent real estate brokerage in the Chicagoland area. She joins the firm with extensive experience in building brand strategies and creative platforms, most recently serving as global vice president of brand and capability at Beam Suntory, where she worked across a portfolio of international consumer brands.
Skender announced a series of leadership promotions spanning project management and field operations. Lauren Bauer and Brian Skender have been elevated to project executives. Additional promotions include Jack Bauschelt to senior project manager and team leader, Jake Lawniczak to senior project manager and team leader, Will Hansen to senior superintendent and team leader, David Bentley to senior superintendent, Kelly Allen to senior project manager and Kiel Hansen to senior project manager. The promotions deepen Skender's leadership capacity across construction delivery functions.
Colliers has brought on Gabe Philibert as managing director and brokerage market leader for the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota market. Philibert will oversee all brokerage operations in the region, including recruiting and retaining professionals and driving business development. He will report to Jeremy Jacobs, president of Central Region Brokerage, as Colliers looks to further organize and grow its presence in the Twin Cities.
JLL also expanded its presence in Indianapolis, adding Jon Owens and Josh Graham to its office leasing advisory and sales team as executive vice president and senior vice president, respectively. Both professionals previously held leadership positions at Cushman & Wakefield, where Owens served as managing director and Graham as director. Their expertise centers on life sciences and healthcare real estate, complementing the office leasing capabilities JLL Indianapolis added earlier in 2026 with the hires of Tom Hadley and Sam Garvin. With these appointments, JLL's Indianapolis office has completed four strategic additions this year, broadening its advisory offerings in office and specialized healthcare-related space.
