Change of guard at Knight Frank as Elliott retires

Alistair Elliott, senior partner and group chairman of Knight Frank, is retiring from the partnership after 38 years of service.

Elliott (pictured, left) will step down as senior partner and group chairman on 1 April next year after eight years in post and hand the reins over to head of London offices and global head of occupier services William Beardmore-Gray (pictured, right). Beardmore-Gray will join Knight Frank’s group executive board later this month to ensure a smooth handover.

“I will, of course, be sad to leave the partnership,” said Elliott. “But I am excited about the future and intend to keep busy and stay in real estate. In the meantime, my focus remains fully on our performance against the backdrop of the post Covid world.”

Elliott said that Beardmore-Gray was “without a doubt superbly qualified to lead Knight Frank”.

“For many years he has been one of London’s most authoritative office agents, before taking on his dual role as head of the commercial business in London and, crucially, leading our occupier services and agency service line globally,”added Elliott. “He is also a forthright leader of our agenda to introduce greater diversity and inclusion across the firm.”

Beardmore-Gray said it was an “honour” to have been elected as the firm’s new senior partner.

“I look forward to working closely with Alistair over the coming 12 months to effect a seamless handover and secure successors for my existing roles within our London and global occupier businesses,” he said. “Over the past eight years, with a particular focus on our people, Alistair has driven extensive development firm-wide, strengthening our global partnership and long-term client relationships. I am excited to have the opportunity to build on this with our teams around the world.”

Elliott joined Knight Frank as a graduate in 1983. He became its head of commercial in 2006 and was promoted to senior partner and group chairman in 2013.

To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette

Photo: Knight Frank