A global property firm has been rocked by a blackface scandal that has embroiled a senior manager.
CBRE ‘sales brokerage principal’ Mark Curtain appeared in the offensive costume in a photo that was shared on his Facebook profile from 2012 onwards.
An employee filed an anonymous complaint with management, claiming the photo evoked ‘historically racist imagery by treating racial identity as a costume or joke’.
Mr Curtain was seen in the photograph with a visibly darker skin complexion, wearing an afro, with a red set of earphones wrapped around his neck.
Mr Curtain was head of advisory and transaction, a job that put him in charge of more than 300 people from all backgrounds.
His title meant he was part of the leadership team and would have sat alongside CBRE chief executive officer Phil Rowland.
Mr Rowland announced in January that Mr Curtain had decided to step down from the leadership group and take another role within the company.
CBRE’s website states his title is ‘sales brokerage principal’, which is reportedly well below his pay grade.
Mark Curtain, a senior executive at global property firm CBRE, has come under fire for a blackface picture taken of him in 2012
‘While I will miss his drive, innovation, and leadership … I respect Mark’s career wishes,’ Mr Rowland said at the time.
Curtain is described on the company’s website as ‘a highly accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry’.
It also claims he ‘has partnered with clients on numerous iconic projects and has held key leadership roles within CBRE’.
‘Mark’s passion, strategic thinking, and exceptional results have solidified his reputation as a true leader in the industry,’ his profile read.
CBRE head of investigations Wade Garrard said a formal investigation had been undertaken and finalised.
‘Based on the information provided to the investigation, and the conclusions reached, appropriate action has been taken to address the concerns raised,’ he said.
When asked to specify what actions had been taken, a CBRE spokeswoman told The Australian: ‘We cannot comment on specific employee matters. Whenever allegations are substantiated, we take action consistent with our corporate policies.’
CBRE has been a champion of diversity in the workplace.
Curtain has been priased for his strategic thinking and reputation as a leader in the industry
The company has a whole section of its website devoted to ‘stories of inclusion and authenticity’.
‘We embrace an open dialogue in our workplace where everyone feels safe and belongs,’ its website said.
‘CBRE is at its best when people with different backgrounds and life experiences come together.’
Daily Mail contacted CBRE for further comment.
