JLL bolsters Data Centres team with EMEA appointments

Analysis by JLL estimates that 742MW of hyperscale self-build is currently under construction in EMEA, with a further 2,661MW worth of land banked, driven by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies requiring infrastructure support provided by hyperscale data centres.

JLL’s latest research highlights the pace of the sector's upward trajectory, with hyperscale providers continuing to drive market dynamics and predicted to increase their capital expenditure to $300 billion in 2025. The figure represents an increase of 50% on 2024 and JLL has responded to the surge in demand by strengthening its data centre services offering with three senior hires within its EMEA team.

“The data centre sector across the core EMEA markets continues to experience robust growth, driven by surging demand for capacity,” said Jonathan Kinsey, EMEA Lead and Global Chair, Data Centre Solutions, JLL. “This rapid growth underscores the critical role data centres play in supporting the digital economy and the increasing reliance on cloud services. Bringing in the very brightest talent in the industry is an essential part of our plan to support that expansion by strengthening our offering to meet the current and future needs of our clients, reinforcing our capabilities within the region.”

Steve Ross has been appointed as UK & Ireland Data Centre Operations lead, having worked in critical environments for the past two decades, with over 12 years in the data centre industry. Most recently, Ross was Technical Facilities Director at Ark Data Centres, with accountability for technical and facility operations across all of Ark’s data centre campuses, whilst also ensuring that operations provided full support through the design, construction, and commissioning stages of Ark’s expansion. Ross reports to Mike Harrington, Head of Data Centre Facilities Management, EMEA.

Godfrey Anderson joins as Director, Critical Environment Centre of Excellence Programme lead – EMEA Region, having previously served as EMEA Head of Engineering Design for Morgan Stanley. Anderson also spent over 15 years with Credit Suisse across several roles in EMEA and APAC, with over 25 years of experience in engineering project management and operations within the investment industry. Based in London, Anderson is part of JLLs global specialist network and will be responsible for the delivery of technical services, JLL’s CEM programme and supporting sales, solutions, due diligence, transitions, operations and data centre compliance throughout the region.

Ross Smyth joins as Senior Consultant - EMEA Data Centre Consulting, bringing with him a specialism in integrated chip programming and a background in electrical engineering. Smyth joins from data centre advisory firm VIPA Digital, where he spent three years consulting on high profile projects specialising in technical due diligence, operations, power, and connectivity, working with clients such as KAO, Verne Global, and Global Infrastructure Partners. Based in London, Smyth reports to Catriona Shearer, JLL Global Consulting Lead for Data Centre Solutions and will focus on end-to-end client engagement in a growth role.

“We are excited to welcome Steve, Godfrey and Ross to JLL, who can call upon numerous collective leadership, client management and project roles throughout impressive careers that will serve as an invaluable asset to our clients moving forward,” said Kinsey. “These are significant hires that increase our technical capabilities and network connections in line with our plans for growth.”