Global property consultancy Knight Frank today (April 7) announced it will have a new chairman and senior partner next year.

William Beardmore-Gray will be stepping up from Head of the London Commercial and Global Occupier businesses to replace Alistair Elliott. The move will come into effect on April 1st, 2022 following an election in December.

Having joined as a graduate in 1983, Alistair became the company’s Head of Commercial in 2006. Seven years later he became Senior Partner & Group Chairman, where he has spent the past eight years driving the firm’s strategy worldwide.     

William Beardmore-Gray said: “It is an honour to have been elected as the firm’s new Senior Partner. I look forward to working closely with Alistair over the coming 12 months to effect a seamless handover and secure successors for my existing roles within our London and Global Occupier businesses.

“The past eight years, with a particular focus on our people, Alistair has driven extensive development firm-wide, strengthening our Global Partnership and long-term client relationships. I am excited to have the opportunity to build on this with our teams around the world.”

William Beardmore-Gray (left) and Alistair Elliott

Alistair Elliott said: “I am delighted that William will succeed me as Senior Partner and Group Chairman in 2022. For many years he has been one of London’s most authoritative office agents, before taking on his dual role as head of the commercial business in London and crucially leading our Occupier Services and Agency service line globally. He is also a forthright leader of our agenda to introduce greater diversity and inclusion across the firm. He is without a doubt superbly qualified to lead Knight Frank.

“I will of course be sad to leave the Partnership, but I am excited about the future and intend to keep busy and stay in real estate. In the meantime, my focus remains fully on our performance against the backdrop of the post COVID world.”

Headquartered in London, Knight Frank has more than 488 offices across 57 territories and employs more than 20,000 people.