One of the world's largest real estate services firms has a new leader atop its D.C. regional office.

JLL announced the promotion Tuesday of Chris Molivadas to Mid-Atlantic market director. He will succeed Michael Ellis, who was tapped to lead JLL's East region earlier this year.

Molivadas has worked with JLL for 18 years, most recently leading the firm's Mid-Atlantic investor services business. Prior to taking that position last year, he led its Mid-Atlantic project and development services arm for 11 years.

The firm's Mid-Atlantic region encompasses D.C., Maryland and Virginia. JLL recently moved into a new D.C. office at 2020 K St. NW. Ellis led the regional office for nearly a decade, taking over in 2009 from David McGarry.

"Chris embodies our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence," Ellis said in a release. "He has vision and deep institutional JLL knowledge and market expertise that will continue to drive the Mid-Atlantic region's history of success."

The shakeup atop JLL's D.C. leadership follows similar moves from its two largest competitors in recent years. CBRE in November named Kyle Schoppmann as head of its Baltimore-Washington region, replacing longtime head John Germano. Cushman & Wakefield in late 2016 brought on Peter Carroccio from CBRE as executive managing director of brokerage for the D.C. region.