_Darren Benson appointed as National Head of Industrial Logistics

With nearly 20 years’ experience in industrial property, Darren will replace James Templeton, Knight Frank Partner and Head of Victoria, who had been acting in the role in the interim.

September 03, 2020

We are delighted to announce a key appointment to our Industrial Logistics team, with Darren Benson coming on board as National Head of Industrial Logistics.

He will replace James Templeton, who has been interim Head of Industrial Logistics while the recruitment process was undertaken for the role. James will remain in his role as Knight Frank Partner and Head of Victoria.

Darren’s experience in industrial property spans nearly 20 years, during which time he has held both leadership and agency roles within Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.

He began his career at Colliers South Sydney before moving to Beijing with JLL, and Hong Kong with CBRE, where he led the Asian industrial platform and sat on the Global Industrial and Logistics Board.

Darren will relocate to Australia for his new role at Knight Frank from France, where he and his family have been based whilst restoring a castle and converting it into a successful boutique hotel.

Ben Schubert, Knight Frank Partner and National Head of Agency said Darren has a wealth of experience in the Australian industrial market and in life, both of which would stand him in good stead for his new role at Knight Frank.

“After a short sejour in France, Darren is keen to re-enter the Australian industrial market, and we are thrilled to have him joining Knight Frank.

“His appointment to the role of National Head of Industrial Logistics was made due to his lengthy experience in the industrial logistics sector, his proven performance-based strategic leadership capabilities and his strong alignment to the values of Knight Frank,” he said.

“During his career in Australia’s industrial property industry Darren completed deals of up to 85,000 sqm with major institutional clients, and is well equipped to lead our industrial team going forward.

“The industrial market has been one of the most resilient this year, despite the challenges of COVID-19, with demand continuing to grow largely due to the rise in e-commerce, and we look forward to providing the best solutions and service to our clients for the remainder of this year and beyond.”

Darren is excited to be resuming his industrial property career with Knight Frank, “This is a great time to be re-entering the market, with the industrial market buoyant in the face of COVID-19,” he said.

“I look forward to leading the team to navigate the changes taking place in the wider property market, and to ensure our clients receive the best opportunities and advice to add value.”