JLL Taps Former Google Exec As Chief Digital Product Officer

JLL has named former Google executive Vinay Goel as its chief digital product officer. 

"Technology is revolutionizing the future of work and how employers attract and retain talent, which creates tremendous opportunity for our industry ...," Goel said in a statement. "New areas such as AI, machine learning, blockchain and Internet of Things will have a profound effect on workspace decisions and operations."

During his 11 years at Google, Goel held various roles and worked on products including Google Maps, Google Apps, Google Station and more. 

Earlier in his career, Goel was country head of products for Google India and held product development and management roles at such companies as Oracle, Intel, CheckPoint Software and other Silicon Valley startups.

The hire is part of JLL's broader foray into tech.

Last year, JLL brought on two Silicon Valley veterans, Mihir Shah and Yishai Lerner, to launch JLL Spark, a global division specializing in new technology-driven real estate service offerings. Shah and Lerner were founders of Mob.ly, which was later acquired by Groupon.

More recently, JLL Spark created a $100M Global Venture Fund for investment in PropTech companies.

The new fund will invest in tech startups that aim to make real estate development, management, leasing and investing more efficient for real estate professionals, particularly JLL clients.

Goel will collaborate with JLL Spark as well as the broader JLL organization in his new role.