WITH the pubs market exploding over the last 24 months, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group has appointed Ben McDonald as managing director – head of pubs, investment sales, Australasia.
Based in Sydney, McDonald will commence in his new role from 1 June and will report to Nihat Ercan, CEO at JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific.
“Our Pubs business has gone from strength-to-strength and we’re extremely confident that Ben will take it to new heights,” said Ercan.
“Demand for quality pub assets is unlikely to subside and with Ben’s leadership qualities, key relationships and acute understanding of sector specific fundamentals, we expect our pubs business to firmly entrench its market leading position.”
McDonald’s expanded position will see him lead the ongoing growth of JLL’s pub sales business across Australasia, where circa $2.2 billion of sales has been transacted.
“With a strong reputation for his transparent yet strategic approach to deal making, Ben has been entrusted with acquisition and divestment mandates by the largest hotel groups in the country,” said Peter Harper, managing director – head of investment sales Australasia, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.
“The benefit of a strong pipeline of deals, backed by the most experienced Pubs team in market, gives us deep confidence that Ben will continue delivering for clients,”
Joining JLL in 2020, McDonald was previously Executive Vice President and NSW State Head, leading six brokers and overseeing key operations and marketing functions.
McDonald was part of several major pub transactions including the Republic Hotel Sydney, Commodore Hotel McMahons Point, Great Northern Hotel Byron Bay, and Longueville Hotel Lane Cove.
