BNP Paribas Real Estate has appointed a London agent, Caroline Palmer, to lead the expansion of its residential business into Asia following its acquisition of Strutt & Parker last year.

Palmer has joined BNP Paribas Real Estate’s Hong Kong platform as a senior director.

She will be responsible for BNP Paribas Real Estate’s UK residential business, which trades under the name of Strutt & Parker, in the region.

She has 15 years’ experience in the London residential real estate market, with a particular focus on high-end residential homes and apartments transactions on behalf of clients based in Asia.

Based in Hong Kong, Palmer will act as a link between the London and Asian offices to lead this new residential offering.

Her role will include working closely with BNP Paribas Wealth Management Asia to offer a new bespoke residential offering to its wealth management and high-net-worth clients.

The appointment comes as Strutt & Parker also strengthens its London team, hiring Josh Ayres as a director from Hamptons, and promoting Sarah Curtis and Richard Thomas to directors.