_Knight Frank expands Capital Markets’ team with key appointment in the retail sales sector
- Chris Maher has been appointed as Partner and National Head of Retail Investments at Knight Frank
- The appointment marks the expansion of the global property consultancy’s Capital Markets team through the establishment of a strong presence in the retail sales sector
- Mr Maher, has more than 20 years’ experience in the property industry, transacting and structuring over $5 billion in real estate for local private investors, A-REIT and global investment managers
Sydney, Australia – KNIGHT FRANK’s national Capital Markets business is expanding into retail sales, with the appointment of Chris Maher as Partner and National Head of Retail Investments.
Mr Maher has more than 20 years of property industry experience - half of which has been in the retail sector - transacting and structuring over $5 billion in real estate for local private investors, A-REIT’s and global investment managers including Challenger, Pembroke and Nuveen.
Chris joins Knight Frank after senior positions at Colliers as Director of Retail Investment Services and Director of Capital Transactions at top 5 global investment manager Nuveen, as well as working for one of Australia’s leading retail platforms, Vicinity Centres.
Knight Frank Partner and National Head of Capital Markets Justin Bond said moving into the retail sector provided a huge opportunity for Knight Frank to grow market share in what has consistently been the second most widely traded sector nationally.
“Retail investment volumes have totalled $15.5 billion nationally over the past year, representing a strong recovery from subdued activity during 2020, with confidence returning to the market alongside improving rates of capital growth and overall investment performance.
“Even amidst changing market conditions, retail assets remain in favour due to stronger income returns and underlying momentum from buoyant retail sales.”
Mr Bond said the appointment of Mr Maher would enable Knight Frank to establish a presence in the capital markets’ retail sector, and better service clients across Australia and New Zealand.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience to Knight Frank having managed, acquired and disposed of ground-up development projects through to core real estate acquisitions.
“He will spearhead a market-leading platform at Knight Frank that will provide clients with genuine real estate advice as the investable landscape continues to morph, requiring quick adaptation.”
Mr Maher said retail remains one of the most exciting sectors in real estate and will continue to provide through-cycle opportunities for savvy investors.
“Retail is a key pillar of the investable real estate universe,” he said. “It has and always will adapt and evolve to meet the market, and smart investors will capitalise on this.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Knight Frank to head up the retail sales team as we embark on an exciting growth phase in the business.
“I look forward to working with the Capital Markets team to build on their market-leading results.”
For further information, please contact:
Vanessa De Groot – Marketing & Communications, Knight Frank
Vanessa.degroot@au.knightfrank.com +61 410 460211
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Notes to Editors
Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property consultancy. Headquartered in London, Knight Frank has more than 16,000 people operating from 384 offices across 51 territories. The Group advises clients ranging from individual owners and buyers to major developers, investors and corporate tenants. For further information about the firm, please visit knightfrank.com.