Knight Frank has announced that Rory Penn will succeed William Beardmore-Gray as the firm’s senior partner and group chair in April 2027.
Beardmore-Gray, who joined Knight Frank in 1991, will retire from the partnership in March 2027 after 36 years with the firm.
Penn joined Knight Frank in 2018 after Knight Frank acquired VanHan, the business he co-founded with Thomas van Straubenzee. He has been instrumental in driving growth across the partnership’s global private office and London residential sales businesses.
Penn started his property career at Grosvenor and moved on to hold positions at private equity real estate firms Rowan and Palmer Capital.
To ensure a smooth transition, Penn, who is currently Knight Frank’s head of London residential sales, chair of its global private office and a member of the UK board, will join the firm’s group executive board in April 2026, beginning a year-long transition period ahead of taking up the role.
Beardmore-Gray said: “Rory is an exceptional successor to lead the partnership from 2027, and I look forward to seeing the firm continue to thrive under his stewardship. As well as a background in commercial property as an investor, he has, for many years, been one of London’s most respected residential advisors to major clients. As chair of our global private office, he has strengthened our capabilities with UHNWs and family offices across prime commercial and residential markets worldwide.
“He is a driven, collaborative and strategic leader with an ambitious global mindset. I will, of course, be sad to leave the partnership in 2027, but will be staying active within the industry and look forward to exploring new opportunities. However, over the next 15 months, my focus remains firmly on delivering strong performance for our fantastic global partnership.”
Penn added: “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. We are privileged to represent an extraordinary calibre of private and institutional clients, advising and transacting on the most remarkable real estate in the world, across all sectors.
“I look forward to working closely with Will over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. Under Will’s leadership the firm has undergone significant development, strengthening our global partnership and deepening long-term client relationships. I am excited to build on this momentum with colleagues across our network.”
