Retail heavy hitter joins JLL

San Francisco -- JLL has tapped an industry veteran from one of the world’s largest retail chains to drive its global business strategy and cross-border expansion.



The company named David Zoba as chairman of its Global Retail Leasing Board, effective immediately. Zoba brings 30 years of experience to the firm and most recently served as senior VP of global real estate and store development at Gap Inc., which he joined in 2009.



Prior to Gap, Zoba served as the chief legal officer and executive VP of Galyan's Trading Company. He also spent time as the senior VP and counsel of real estate at L Brands. Prior to his work with retailers, Zoba was partner at Hughes & Luce LLP.



“David will advise retailers taking the leap abroad, something he knows intimately having worked for many prominent retailers and investors on brand expansions,” said Naveen Jaggi, president of retail brokerage, JLL Americas. “Appointing a leading expert from the retail industry is a first in the brokerage services community. David knows exactly how to successfully immerse a brand into a new market, having formerly been an end-user. He brings a new perspective to JLL, which will shape how we serve our clients and tailor our approach to their evolving needs.”



At JLL, Zoba will unite the firm’s Asia Pacific, Europe and Americas retail experts, counsel growing brands entering foreign markets and connect them with retail’s top landlords in North America, Europe and Asia.



Anuj Puri, head of global retail leasing and chairman and country head of JLL India, noted that international expansion is playing a bigger role in the success of today’s retailers that are facing intensified competition to remain innovative, relevant and profitable.



“Retail is a local business, heavily influenced by macro forces. We’re breaking down barriers that once halted retailers from expanding into markets outside of their home countries with JLL’s Global Retail Leasing Board. Adding David to our already deep bench of talent gives JLL the boost it needs to advise and support retailers’ and investors’ global endeavours,” said Puri.



JLL has more than 125 retail brokerage experts spanning more than 30 major markets, representing more than 670 retail clients.