Knight Frank has appointed Wesley Thomson, formerly of Avison Young and JLL, as partner and head of ESG for the MENA region.
Thomson, who has more than 19 years’ experience in the energy and sustainability sector, more recently led ESG projects for ADQ portfolio companies at Contango, focusing on emission measurement, decarbonisation, climate risk assessments and sustainability reporting.
At Avison Young, he established a global centre of excellence for environmental and sustainability governance, and at JLL he was the energy and sustainability lead for EMEA.
Thomson said: “I am thrilled to join Knight Frank and lead the ESG efforts in the MENA region. Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a journey that requires innovative thinking, strategic planning, and a collaborative approach. The MENA region presents unique opportunities and challenges for ESG initiatives, and I’m excited to bring my expertise to Knight Frank to help navigate these.
“ESG and sustainability are crucial for the long-term success and resilience of businesses, particularly in this region where rapid development and environmental considerations must go hand-in-hand. I look forward to working with the talented team at Knight Frank to drive meaningful and lasting impact that aligns with the firm’s values of excellence and integrity.”
James Lewis, managing director at Knight Frank, MENA, added: “Our ambition is to provide our clients with the best possible advice and support in their sustainability journey, helping set new standards in the real estate industry. By doing so, we not only enhance our services but also contribute to the region’s maturity in this gravely important area.”
David Goatman, partner and global head of energy and sustainability services, said: “We are delighted that Wesley has joined us and will lead one of the most rapidly developing regions with our global energy and sustainability service line. His extensive experience and focus upon innovative service delivery and client centricity will greatly enhance our consultancy service offer across the MENA region.”
