Search
 

GlobeSt.com EXCLUSIVE: German JLL Project Managers Fired After Bribe Allegations

FRANKFURT-Jones Lang LaSalle managing director Douglas Holouch resigns after German law enforcement authorities accused two project managers of bribery. London-based European CEO Robert Orr takes over German operations.

By Mark Ruda | Updated on November 19, 2003

FRANKFURT-Two project managers have been fired amid accusations of bribery involving office build-to-suit projects in Frankfurt and Munich, with Jones Lang LaSalle managing director Douglas Holouch resigning in the wake of the allegations. European CEO Robert Orr is taking over management of German operations and will likely split time between that country and his London office.

Jones Lang LaSalle head of European public relations Charlotte Freeman says the firm has been cooperating with local prosecutors, and has launched an internal investigation into the allegations. She confirms Wolfgang Geertz and Efphimios Nikolopoulos were arrested last week, when prosecutors also seized files from Jones Lang LaSalle’s Frankfurt office. Holouch then offered his resignation, which was quickly accepted.

“The reason we’ve taken quick and bullish action is we are very committed to the highest business ethics,” Freeman tells GlobeSt.com. “As much as we regret this situation, we want to make sure it’s business as usual for our clients.”

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.