JLL Forms Retail Solutions Group to Deliver Integrated Services for Multi-Unit Retailers

CHICAGO — JLL announced June 11 the formation of the Retail Solutions Group, a newly integrated team within its Project and Development Services business that combines design, architecture and multi-site project management capabilities to deliver comprehensive services to retail clients across the entire brand lifecycle.

The firm also announced the hiring of Mark Bateman as Executive Managing Director to lead the new group and Kevin Songer as Managing Director of Architecture.

What the Retail Solutions Group Does

The Retail Solutions Group, known internally as RSG, is designed to serve as a single, integrated partner for retail brands at every stage of their evolution — from concept development and strategic planning through project delivery. According to JLL, the model is intended to enable retail clients to access expertise across disciplines while maintaining consistency in brand expression and operational efficiency at scale.

The group is structured around three core areas: Retail Design, Branding and Digital teams led by Josh Broehl; Retail Architecture teams led by Russell Baumann, Keith Heinemann and Amy Sjursen; and Multi-Site Project Management teams led by Ken Demske.

Louis Molinini, Americas PDS Variable Lead for JLL, framed the formation of RSG as a direct response to client demand. "Our clients told us clearly what they needed, which is a partner who could seamlessly guide them from innovation through execution, keeping their physical brand expression relevant and their customer journey compelling," Molinini said. "The Retail Solutions Group represents our commitment to meeting that need with a truly integrated approach that leverages the full depth of JLL's capabilities."

RSG sits inside JLL's Project and Development Services platform, which the firm says comprises 9,300 project managers across 80 countries managing $87.4 billion in projects annually, alongside more than 600 designers across 65 studios in over 30 countries.

Mark Bateman Leads RSG After Career at WD Partners

Bateman brings more than 30 years of experience in business development and strategic direction, with a background spanning convenience, grocery, restaurant, specialty retail and e-commerce sectors. He is based in Columbus, Ohio, and reports to Molinini.

Before joining JLL, Bateman served at WD Partners, where he provided counsel on strategic direction and market opportunities, helping clients align their service offerings to key business goals.

"The formation of Retail Solutions Group is an essential evolution of JLL's retail business strategy and positions us to better enable clients to execute their visions with greater agility and impact, streamlining how brands bring experiences to market," Bateman said. "I'm looking forward to delivering unrivalled consistency, speed and impact to JLL clients seeking to plan, design, build and scale their physical environments."

Molinini added that Bateman's "strategic vision, extensive relationships, retail services experience and proven track record as a trusted advisor to some of the world's largest and most recognizable retail brands position him to drive RSG's mission of delivering scalable, innovative solutions that keep clients competitive in an ever-changing market."

Kevin Songer Joins from Gensler to Head Retail Architecture

Kevin Songer joins JLL's RSG from Gensler, where he spent over 21 years in progressively senior roles. He most recently served as Principal and Co-Managing Director of Gensler's Atlanta office. During his tenure at Gensler, Songer led teams working with prominent international retailers and developed expertise in leading complex, large-scale retail programs for global clients. He is based in Atlanta.

Songer holds a dual degree in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University. He is a registered architect in Georgia and Alabama, a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of NCARB and the American Institute of Architects.

"Kevin's success in leading complex retail projects for global clients, combined with his strategic leadership capabilities, makes him an exceptional addition to our Retail Solutions Group," Bateman said. "His expertise managing large-scale retail programs will be instrumental as we continue to provide our clients with seamless, end-to-end solutions that integrate strategy, design, architecture and execution."

JLL said RSG is already working with multi-unit retail clients to transform their physical presence and enhance customer experiences across their portfolios.

JLL (NYSE: JLL) reported annual revenue of $26.1 billion and employs more than 113,000 people across operations in over 80 countries as of March 31, 2026.

Sources

JLL Newsroom: JLL Forms Retail Solutions Group (June 11, 2026)