Stephen Ellis has announced he will be retiring from Knight Frank Australia, effective 30 June, with Rod Leaver taking the position as Chief Executive Officer on 6 May 2019.
Mr Leaver will report to Kevin Coppel, Managing Director, Asia Pacific. Since returning to Australia in 2016, Mr Leaver has been advising groups on real estate strategy, portfolio governance and urban regeneration projects.
“Rod’s extensive experience in advising on real estate makes him the perfect fit for this role. I’m confident that his emphasis on values-driven leadership, strategic planning and execution, and an uncompromising focus on sustainability and diversity will generate excellent results for the firm,” said Mr Coppel.
Mr Leaver has spent eight years at Lendlease, holding roles as Global Head of Investment Management, CEO of Lendlease Australia and CEO of Lendlease Asia.
While CEO, Mr Leaver successfully formulated and executed a new strategy for Lendlease Asia, securing two major urban regeneration projects in Singapore and Malaysia totalling US$6 billion, and its first Senior Living development in China.
“I would like to thank Stephen Ellis for his contribution to the partnership over the past nine years. His energy and enthusiasm have been central to the success of the Australian business and we wish him well in his retirement,” said Alistair Elliott, chairman and senior partner at Knight Frank.
“I would also like to welcome Rod, whose credentials are absolutely aligned with our desire to substantially grow the Australian business over the next few years.”
Mr Leaver said he was delighted to join the Knight Frank firm and continue the line of success Mr Ellis has established.
“The focus on delivering outstanding client service by providing the best professional advice together with developing outstanding talent accords very much with my own approach to business,” said Mr Leaver.
“As a partnership, Knight Frank encourages a sense of entrepreneurship amongst its people while also taking a long-term perspective. I am very much looking forward to starting in May.”
