Knight Frank has announced two key appointments to its Occupier Strategy & Solutions (OSS) platform across APAC to support its next phase of growth.
Francesco Demarco, previously Head of Global Portfolio Solutions (GPS) Australia, has been promoted to Head of Global Portfolio Solutions, APAC.
In his new role, Mr Demarco will lead the Knight Frank Occupier Account Management Hubs in Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese mainland, Singapore, India and Australia.
Jenna Wallace has been appointed as Head of Global Portfolio Solutions for Australia and New Zealand, where she will focus on growing the GPS business and ensuring collaboration across the OSS platform in Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Wallace returns to Knight Frank after a decade-long hiatus, moving to the firm from CBRE.
She brings more than 15 years of experience in property, with an extensive background in occupier-focused real estate solutions, having led CBRE’s Occupier Accounts and Workplace Consulting Business and managed major portfolios for clients across Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Wallace is also an active industry leader, serving as Vice Chairperson of CoreNet Global’s Membership Committee (Australia Chapter) and contributing to board and committee roles with the Property Council of Australia.
Knight Frank Australia Chief Executive Officer James Patterson said the changes in the team would ensure Knight Frank was providing the best possible service to clients across the OSS offering.
“Francesco has been promoted in recognition of his outstanding leadership across the region, and the pivotal role he has played in establishing and growing the account management business with major clients,” Mr Patterson said.
“His deep understanding of client needs and ability to deliver innovative solutions to optimise their real estate portfolios will be invaluable as we continue to build momentum and deliver unique, client-focused solutions.
“We are excited to welcome Jenna back to Knight Frank, and look forward to the growth that her valuable experience will bring to the team.”
Mr Demarco expressed enthusiasm about his expanded role and the addition of Ms Wallace to the team.
“I am excited to be taking on an expanded role within Knight Frank’s APAC OSS team, and thrilled to be welcoming Jenna, who is an outstanding addition to the team,” Mr Demarco said.
“Jenna’s experience and energy are exactly what we need as we continue to grow.
“We have deliberately structured ourselves globally and regionally to truly listen and respond to our clients’ unique and evolving requirements, and it is resonating. Jenna shares that client-first mindset, and we’re excited about what we’ll achieve together.”
The changes to Knight Frank’s APAC OSS team follow another strategic OSS appointment for Knight Frank globally, with James Maddock recently appointed as Partner in the firm’s Global Occupier Strategy & Solutions team based in London.
Knight Frank’s Global Head of Occupier Strategy & Solutions Tim Armstrong said these appointments come at an exciting time for the APAC GPS team.
“These appointments come at an exciting time for our APAC GPS team, which is experiencing accelerated growth following major appointments and the expansion of transaction management hubs in India, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong,” Mr Armstrong said.
