Delaisse Takes Helm at Colliers France in Strategic Leadership Shift

PARIS, FR – January 23, 2026 – Colliers has officially named Ludovic Delaisse as the new Chief Executive Officer of Colliers France, marking a pivotal moment in a carefully planned leadership transition for the global real estate services giant. The appointment, effective today, sees Delaisse succeed Antoine Derville, who will move into the role of Chairman of Colliers France.

This strategic handover is designed not only to fortify the company's robust position within the French market but also to enhance its growth trajectory across the broader Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Delaisse, a 30-year industry veteran, steps up from his previous role as Managing Director, a position he has held since 2021 where he was responsible for all transactional and advisory service lines.

A Strategic Handover Building on a Strong Foundation

The leadership change at Colliers France is being positioned as a seamless evolution rather than a disruptive shift. It represents the culmination of a deliberate succession plan aimed at ensuring stability and capitalizing on momentum built under Antoine Derville's tenure. During his time as CEO, Derville oversaw a period of “significant transformation,” according to the company, successfully building a strong foundation for growth while enhancing the firm’s transactional expertise and market reputation.

In his new capacity as Chairman, Derville will remain deeply involved in the firm's direction. “During this period, I will continue to work closely with Ludovic to ensure continuity for our clients, while also looking to further accelerate cross‑border opportunities in EMEA,” Derville stated, signaling a continued focus on high-level strategy and international client relations. His ongoing presence is seen by market observers as a key factor in maintaining client confidence and providing a smooth handoff of leadership during a period of dynamic change in the real estate sector.

This approach aligns with Colliers' reputation for disciplined management and long-term value creation. The transition is viewed within the industry as a sign of organizational health and a testament to the company's commitment to developing its internal talent pipeline.

The Vision of a Veteran Leader

Ludovic Delaisse brings a wealth of experience to the CEO role, with a distinguished career spanning three decades that includes senior positions at major competitors JLL and Cushman & Wakefield. His deep understanding of the competitive landscape, combined with his proven track record within Colliers, makes him a formidable choice to lead the French operations.

Since joining Colliers France as Managing Director in 2021, Delaisse has been a driving force behind the company’s success. He was instrumental in the growth of its project and advisory services, contributing significantly to a reported 12-13% increase in turnover for the French business in 2025—a notable achievement against the backdrop of a challenging market. Davoud Amel-Azizpour, CEO of Colliers EMEA, lauded the appointment, stating, “Ludovic’s appointment reflects our commitment to developing exceptional talent and ensuring a smooth leadership transition. His deep expertise across transactional and advisory services, combined with his oversight of business development and project management services for investors, make him the ideal successor for our next chapter.”

Looking ahead, Delaisse has articulated a clear vision for his tenure. “It’s a privilege to lead Colliers France, and I am looking forward to leading the country’s teams through further growth,” he said. “My focus will be on delivering exceptional client outcomes while creating an environment where talent can innovate and grow. By fostering collaboration across project, advisory, and transactional services, we will continue to solve complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients.” This emphasis on breaking down internal silos to provide integrated, holistic client solutions is central to his strategy for navigating the complexities of the modern real estate market.

Navigating a Shifting French Real Estate Landscape

Delaisse takes the helm at a critical juncture for the French commercial real estate market. The sector has been navigating significant headwinds, with investment volumes in France halving in 2023, mirroring a broader European trend. The Greater Paris Region, a traditional powerhouse, experienced a 60% year-on-year drop in investment, plagued by a slowdown in the office market, difficulties in securing debt financing, and prolonged deal finalization periods.

Delaisse himself has acknowledged these challenges, describing 2024 as a “difficult, turbulent, hard-working year.” Yet, he also framed it as a “great success for all Colliers France businesses,” demonstrating the firm's resilience and ability to find opportunities amid uncertainty. One such bright spot has been the La Défense business district, which saw a remarkable 60% increase in office take-up in 2024, driven by its attractive financial conditions compared to the high-priced central Paris market. This highlights the nuanced, location-specific dynamics that an experienced leader like Delaisse is well-equipped to exploit.

He has expressed cautious optimism for 2026, suggesting that a potential easing of interest rates by the European Central Bank could provide investors with greater visibility and stimulate a market rebound. His leadership will be crucial in steering Colliers France to capitalize on this anticipated recovery and navigate the evolving demands of tenants and investors.

Alignment with a Broader Global Strategy

The appointment in France is not an isolated event but a move that aligns perfectly with Colliers' ambitious global and EMEA-wide strategy. The company, which has delivered approximately 20% compound annual returns for shareholders over 30 years, has been actively expanding its diversified service platform. With annual revenues of $5.5 billion and $108 billion in assets under management, Colliers continues to pursue strategic growth.

Recent global initiatives underscore this forward-looking approach. In 2025, Colliers announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in Astris Finance, a global investment banking firm specializing in infrastructure and energy transition, significantly bolstering its capabilities in a high-growth sector. This was followed by the acquisition of a top-tier engineering firm in Ontario in early 2026 and a partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate AI-powered innovation across its services.

Placing a proven internal leader like Ludovic Delaisse at the head of a key market like France is consistent with this disciplined strategy. It ensures that regional operations are guided by a steady hand, one that is deeply familiar with both the local market and the company’s enterprising culture, allowing the firm to continue its mission of accelerating success for its clients, investors, and people worldwide.