Knight Frank, the global property consultancy with over 20,000 professionals across 600 offices in 50 markets, has announced that Rory Penn will succeed William Beardmore-Gray as Senior Partner & Group Chair in April 2027.
To ensure a seamless transition, Penn will join the firm’s Group Executive Board in April 2026, beginning a year-long handover period. Currently Head of London Residential Sales, Chair of the Global Private Office, and a member of the UK Board, Penn has played a pivotal role in driving growth across Knight Frank’s private client and residential businesses since joining in 2018.
Penn co-founded VanHan, acquired by Knight Frank in 2018, and brings extensive experience across commercial and residential real estate, having worked with private capital, private equity, and institutional clients during his career. His background includes roles at Grosvenor, Rowan, and Palmer Capital before moving into advisory leadership.
William Beardmore-Gray, who will retire in March 2027 after 36 years with the firm, praised Penn as “an exceptional successor to lead the Partnership from 2027… a driven, collaborative and strategic leader with an ambitious global mindset.” Beardmore-Gray himself has held senior roles including Head of Occupier Strategy and Solutions and Senior Partner & Group Chair since 2022.
Commenting on his election, Rory Penn said: “Being elected as Knight Frank’s next Senior Partner is a tremendous honour. I care passionately about our clients, our brand, and most importantly our phenomenal people. I look forward to building on the firm’s momentum and strengthening our global partnership.”
This leadership transition underscores Knight Frank’s commitment to long-term succession planning and its continued focus on delivering value to clients worldwide.
