JLL launched the Retail Solutions Group, a newly integrated team within JLL’s Project and Development Services (PDS) business that brings together design, architecture and multi-site project management capabilities to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end services to retail clients throughout the entire brand lifecycle.
Additionally, JLL tapped industry leader Mark Bateman as Executive Managing Director to direct this strategic initiative and hired Kevin Songer as a Managing Director of Architecture for the new group.
Retail Solutions Group (RSG) will serve as a comprehensive partner for retail brands at every stage of their evolution, from concept development and strategic planning through project delivery. This integrated model enables retail clients to access best-in-class expertise across all disciplines while maintaining consistency in brand expression and operational efficiency at scale.
Bateman, who is based in Columbus, Ohio, has more than 30 years of experience in business development and strategic direction, with a history of successfully partnering with leading brands in convenience, grocery, restaurant, specialty retail and e-commerce. He has built and led high-performing teams, strengthened cross-functional collaboration and aligned integrated service delivery models to meet the evolving needs of retailers.
Before joining JLL, he served at WD Partners, where he provided counsel on strategic direction and market opportunities, helping clients align their service offerings to key business goals. He is based in Columbus, Ohio, and reports to Molinini.
Songer joins JLL’s RSG from Gensler, where he spent over 21 years in progressively senior roles, most recently serving as Principal and Co-Managing Director of the firm’s Atlanta office where he is based. During his tenure at Gensler, he led high-performing teams working with prominent international retailers and established himself as a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most recognized brands.
Songer’s approach combines operational excellence with strategic client relationship management. His experience encompasses leading office operations, driving business development initiatives and ensuring project delivery aligns with client vision and objectives, which are capabilities that align seamlessly with the RSG’s integrated service model. Songer earned 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.
RSG is already working with multi-unit retail clients to transform their physical presence and enhance customer experiences across their portfolios. The group comprises the following areas and team leads:
- Retail Design, Branding and Digital teams led by Josh Broehl
- Retail Architecture teams led by Russell Baumann, Keith Heinemann and Amy Sjursen
- Multi-Site Project Management teams led by Ken Demske
