Knight Frank appoints two senior partners to lead London Private Office
Knight Frank has appointed Stuart Bailey and Rupert des Forges to jointly lead its London Private Office, strengthening its focus on ultra-high-net-worth clients and the capital’s super-prime residential market.
The two Proprietary Partners bring a combined 65 years of experience in prime London property. Both have previously led residential sales and prime development teams within the business.
Their appointments form part of Knight Frank’s strategy to expand its private client services, covering high-value residential sales, acquisitions and prime new developments.
The London Private Office brings together senior advisers from the firm’s existing Private Office, residential sales and development teams.
It will also provide clients with access to Knight Frank’s wider commercial property, investment and capital advisory services.
The team sits within Knight Frank’s Global Private Office, jointly led by Paddy Dring and Tom van Straubenzee, alongside Alasdair Pritchard.
The wider operation forms part of the firm’s Global Private Capital Strategy, led by Sarah May-Brown.
Bailey said London continues to attract wealthy international buyers despite concerns over the capital’s property market.
He commented: “Despite periodic speculation about London’s prospects, we continue to see strong demand from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and family offices attracted by the city’s cultural depth, stability and enduring global appeal.”
He added that Knight Frank intends to build on its position in the super-prime market by strengthening client relationships and identifying further opportunities.
Des Forges said the expanded team would advise clients across both established luxury homes and new developments.
He commented: “Through the London Private Office, we can provide clients with access to exceptional opportunities across the capital, from best-in-class developments and landmark schemes to some of London’s most sought-after homes.”
The appointments come as Knight Frank looks to strengthen its relationships with wealthy private clients and family offices across London’s high-value residential market.
Strutt & Parker recruits from Savills and Chestertons in south-west London expansion
Strutt & Parker has recruited two experienced agents from Savills and Chestertons as it expands its hybrid brokerage model into south-west London.
Aileen McCarthy joins from Savills, while Courtney Rawlings arrives from Chestertons. The pair will establish the firm’s presence across Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth.
The appointments mark Strutt & Parker’s first move into these markets under its brokerage model, which launched earlier this year.
The firm has already established brokerage operations across prime central and north-west London. It now plans further recruitment across the south-west of the capital.
McCarthy brings 15 years of estate agency experience, including six years specialising in Battersea and surrounding areas.
She previously worked at Marsh & Parsons and has handled transactions across the prime residential market. These include house sales on Anhalt Road and Alexandra Avenue at £3m and £10m respectively.
Rawlings has around 16 years of experience across Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth.
He joins from Chestertons, having previously spent much of his career at James Pendleton before its acquisition.
His experience includes prime residential transactions exceeding £4m.
Claire Reynolds, UK head of sales at Strutt & Parker, said the appointments form part of a wider expansion strategy.
She commented: “Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth are highly desirable residential markets, and Aileen and Courtney have the local knowledge, experience and personal approach needed to establish Strutt & Parker in the area.”
Reynolds confirmed that the firm intends to recruit more agents across south-west London.
She added: “We have an ambitious growth strategy for this part of London and are currently recruiting to grow our presence across South West London.”
The expansion will also connect the firm’s London brokerage operation with its existing network across the Home Counties.
Strutt & Parker sees opportunities to serve homeowners moving from south-west London into Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
McCarthy said the brokerage model would allow her to combine established local relationships with the resources of a national agency.
Rawlings added: “The brokerage model allows me to build on the deep relationships and local knowledge I have built over 16 years while offering clients the backing of such an established and respected brand.”
The appointments come as Strutt & Parker continues to develop its hybrid brokerage operation alongside its established branch network.
Lee Koffman returns to Aston Chase after nine years
Aston Chase has reappointed Lee Koffman as head of flat sales and associate director, nine years after he left the London estate agency.
Koffman, who has appeared on Channel 4’s Britain’s Most Expensive Houses, previously spent 16 years with the firm.
He returns with 26 years of experience in London’s prime and super-prime residential property market.
His career has also included senior positions at UK Sotheby’s International Realty and Robert Irving Burns.
Koffman’s appointment strengthens Aston Chase’s residential sales team as the agency continues to operate across London’s high-value property market.
The firm said his return brings established client relationships and experience of handling prime residential transactions.
Koffman commented: “It is a wonderful feeling to come home to Aston Chase, after nine years away. I’ve always valued the relationships I built here and the agency’s personal approach to property.
“The prime London market has evolved considerably over the years, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience back to the team, reconnecting with clients and helping them navigate their next move.”
