Knight Frank has announced the appointment of Tim Hyatt as head of UK residential.

He will assume the role next April.

Hyatt, currently head of London residential for Knight Frank, will also sit on the group’s executive board.

A former president of ARLA, Hyatt will succeed Andrew Hay who will retire next March from the Knight Frank partnership and his role as global head of residential, after 37 years with the business.

Hay’s role is being split in two.

While Hyatt will take on the UK residential part of the job, Rupert Dawes has become global head of residential with immediate effect.

Dawes will continue in his current role as joint head of residential development.

Alistair Elliott, chairman of Knight Frank, said: “Both Tim and Rupert come to their new roles with a wealth of experience.

“I would like to thank Andrew for his guardianship of the residential business for the last eight years.

“His passion and energy for Knight Frank is, and always has been, inspiring.

“Andrew remains in his role until next April and I know there will be no slowing of pace during that time.”

Hyatt’s successor as head of London residential has yet to be announced.