The firm said that the new senior role reflected its 'ongoing strategic focus' on expanding its sustainability services capabilities. Grainger’s successor as EMEA CEO will be announced later this week.

JLL CEO, Christian Ulbrich said: 'JLL is committed to playing a leading role in shaping the future of real estate for a better world.

'Central to that purpose is using the breadth and strength of our global platform to partner with our clients in truly moving the needle on real estate carbon reduction and sustainability.

'We see this both as a massive growth opportunity and a primary corporate responsibility. Guy Grainger is ideally qualified to lead this major strategic growth initiative, and we are delighted he has accepted the challenge.'

Grainger has led the EMEA region since June 2016, also serving as a member of JLL’s global executive board. Prior to that, he was CEO of the UK business between 2013 and 2016, having originally joined as a senior leader of the Churston Heard business acquired by JLL in 2008.

Earlier this year, JLL announced new goals for its own operations including a science-based target for carbon reductions and a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its own buildings by 2030.

Grainger said: 'Our strategy to decarbonize real estate through sustainability products can deliver ground-breaking results for clients, significantly improve the environment, and be tremendously inspiring for our people in the process.

'I have greatly enjoyed the past eight years as CEO for the UK and then for the EMEA region. I will now use that invaluable experience to help create a better world through our services.'

Grainger will continue to be based in London, with overall responsibility for sustainability services, products and strategy, and for JLL’s ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ program which includes its annual sustainability reporting and targets. He will report to global executive board member Neil Murray.