Knight Frank creates new lettings leadership role
Knight Frank has appointed Mike Knowles as its new head of lettings business development, a newly created board-level role within the firm’s lettings division.
Knowles joins from CBRE, where he spent 12 years, most recently serving as head of residential agency. He has also joined Knight Frank’s lettings board.
In the new role, Knowles will oversee Knight Frank’s Lettings Completion Solutions, Relocation and Corporate Services, and Short Lets businesses under a single leadership structure.
Gary Hall, head of lettings at Knight Frank, commented: “Mike has an outstanding reputation in the industry and we are delighted to welcome him to Knight Frank. This new role and structure will enable us to better align teams and opportunities across the business. By bringing them together, we can sharpen our focus, improve efficiency, and strengthen our position for sustainable growth.
“Mike will lead a more unified approach, establishing a clear strategic direction and helping us realise the full potential of a more integrated Business Development function. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving collaboration, strengthening client relationships, and supporting the continued growth of our lettings business.”
Knowles said: “I look forward to working with my new team and the wider lettings board to drive collaboration, efficiency, client outcomes and the overall growth of the residential lettings business.”
Cluttons appoints Grainne Gilmore to new residential leadership role
Cluttons has appointed Grainne Gilmore as head of residential sector, a newly created position overseeing the strategic direction of the firm’s residential business.
Gilmore, who joined Cluttons four years ago as director of research and insights, will retain responsibility for the firm’s research function alongside her new role.
Before joining Cluttons, Gilmore was head of research at Zoopla and spent eight years as head of UK residential research at Knight Frank. Earlier in her career, she worked as a financial and economics journalist at The Times.
As head of residential sector, Gilmore, who was also previously a regular guest contributor to Property Industry Eye, will work alongside Cluttons’ senior residential leadership team, including Laura Dam Villena, head of residential agency; James Hyman, head of residential investment; Neil Duffy, head of residential valuation; Einar Roberts, head of residential advisory; and Wayne Stanley, head of residential property management.
Gilmore said: “At Cluttons we have an exceptional team supporting clients across key parts of the residential landscape, including lettings, sales, property management, valuations, building consultancy and investment.
“I’m pleased to be stepping into this role at an exciting time for Cluttons and am looking forward to working with colleagues as we build on strong foundations, creating lasting value for our clients and the wider business.”
Jacqueline Starr to succeed Steve Harriott as TDS chief executive
The Dispute Service (TDS) has announced that chief executive Steve Harriott will retire at the end of the year after 16 years leading the tenancy deposit protection provider.
Harriott has overseen TDS since 2009, during which time the organisation has expanded its tenancy deposit protection and dispute resolution services, while investing in digital systems and broadening its engagement with landlords, letting agents and other stakeholders across the private rented sector.
Jacqueline Starr has been appointed chief executive designate and will take over the role following Harriott’s retirement.
Starr joins TDS from the Rail Delivery Group, where she has served as chief executive since December 2020 and was recently appointed executive chair. During her time there, she has overseen programmes focused on ticketing, customer information and wider industry reform.
Before becoming chief executive, Starr held senior positions at the Rail Delivery Group, including chief operating officer and managing director of customer experience. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Barclays, O2 UK and Orange France.
She also has non-executive experience in the housing and customer service sectors.
TDS said Starr’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process and that her experience of leading customer-focused organisations and managing large-scale operational change will support the organisation’s next phase of development.
Fay Selvan, Chair of TDS, said: “Steve has made an exceptional contribution to TDS over the past sixteen years. His leadership, integrity and vision have been instrumental in shaping the organisation we see today. We are delighted to appoint Jac as his successor. She brings outstanding leadership experience, a deep commitment to customer service, and a proven ability to lead complex organisations through transformation.”
Harriott commented: “It has been a privilege to lead TDS and to work with such a committed and talented team. I am proud of what we have achieved together and the positive difference we have made for tenants, landlords and agents across the UK. I am delighted to welcome Jac as my successor. She brings significant experience, energy and a strong customer focus, and I am confident she will continue to drive TDS forward and build on its success.”
Starr added: “I am honoured to be appointed as the next CEO of TDS. The organisation plays a vital role in the private rented sector and has built an exceptional reputation under Steve’s leadership.”
