35 years ago I joined Knight Frank & ‘Rutley’ as a graduate in the firm’s Country House Department – at the same time the internet or “World Wide Web” had just been invented.
After qualifying, I had the opportunity to work in Marbella for six months – and so my career in International property began. At this point, in 1991, Knight Frank had limited residential exposure in Europe whereas today the firm boasts a network of residential and commercial offices in every major destination on the continent, not to mention globally.
As I reflect on that first day in 1989, I had no idea I would go on to spend my career working around the world in the most exciting markets, alongside the most inspiring colleagues and clients. I feel extremely humbled by this.
I remained in our International department, building the business across Europe and beyond including our residential strategic alliance with Douglas Elliman Real Estate in North America 15 years ago. We launched the Private Office with Rory Penn and Thomas van Straubenzee in 2018, which I now have the privilege of heading up with Thomas.
Today, Knight Frank is a very different business to when I started; the size and scale, broad spectrum of property services offered and the diversity of clients we represent are worlds apart from 35 years ago. However, one thing remains consistent, the spirit of the Knight Frank partnership.
For me, this remains a market differentiator. We remain a private business owned by its people and are proud of the culture that comes with it.
I realise that it may be increasingly unusual to spend a career working at just one firm, however, I do believe that Knight Frank still offers this to its people. We have built a business with a culture centred on integrity, support for one another and doing the very best for our clients wherever they may be in the world. As I look forward and consider what the next 35 years has in store for Knight Frank, what I am sure of is opportunities abound; inclusivity, entrepreneurialism and striving to enhance the markets we operate in will continue to be key pillars of the culture and what makes Knight Frank great.
#Knightfrank #realestate #realestateagent #realestateexpert
Congratulations from all of us!!!