CBRE Australia rocked by blackface image involving senior executive

A senior executive at CBRE Australia is at the center of a blackface controversy after a photograph taken in 2012 surfaced on Facebook, triggering an internal investigation and a leadership change within the company.

The image shows Mark Curtain with a markedly darker complexion, wearing an Afro hairstyle and a red set of earphones around his neck. An anonymous complaint to management alleged the photo evoked historically racist imagery by treating racial identity as a costume or joke. Curtain, who led CBRE’s advisory and transaction practice, was in charge of more than 300 people from diverse backgrounds and sat on the company’s leadership team alongside chief executive officer Phil Rowland.

CBRE confirmed Curtain’s role as a senior leader within the firm and noted his responsibilities spanned across multiple business lines. The allegations prompted an internal review, and the firm has since finalized its investigation, according to CBRE’s head of investigations, Wade Garrard. He said the inquiry was completed and that, based on information gathered and the conclusions reached, appropriate action had been taken to address the concerns raised. The company’s spokeswoman, when pressed for specifics, said CBRE cannot comment on individual employee matters and that actions taken align with corporate policies when allegations are substantiated.

Curtain’s departure from the leadership group was previously announced in January, when Rowland disclosed that Curtain would step down from his leadership role and assume another position within CBRE. In company communications from that period, Curtain was listed as a sales brokerage principal, a title described as well below what some observers believed his compensation level warranted. Rowland’s remarks at the time acknowledged Curtain’s drive, innovation, and leadership while expressing respect for his career decisions.

CBRE’s public-facing profile of Curtain emphasizes his long tenure in real estate, noting more than 30 years of experience and a history of partnering with clients on iconic projects. The profile describes him as a highly accomplished professional and highlights leadership roles he has held within CBRE, underscoring the breadth of his industry influence even as the controversy unfolded.

The investigation’s findings come as CBRE emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company maintains a dedicated section on its website highlighting “stories of inclusion and authenticity” and articulates a philosophy of open dialogue in the workplace, stating that CBRE is at its best when people with different backgrounds and life experiences come together. In a landscape where corporate cultures are increasingly scrutinized for how they handle past missteps, the company has sought to balance accountability with a broader message about belonging.

The Daily Mail sought comment from CBRE after the publication of the image and subsequent reporting, though the company provided standard replies regarding its policies and procedures for handling substantiated allegations. The case has drawn attention to CBRE Australia’s leadership stability and its ongoing effort to align internal culture with its public diversity commitments, a matter closely watched by investors, clients, and employees alike.