Global property consultancy Knight Frank has announced that Tim Robinson will succeed Stephen Clifton as UK managing partner in April 2027.
Robinson brings over 30 years’ experience at Knight Frank and a strong track record of commercial leadership and transformation. As head of commercial, he has led the business through challenging market conditions, delivering record revenue and profit while growing high-value consultancy and annuity income streams.
As UK managing partner, Robinson will lead Knight Frank’s UK business, overseeing its Residential and Commercial operations and driving the strategic direction, governance and performance of the firm’s home market, which comprises 79 offices nationwide. He will also become chair of the UK board and remains a member of the group executive board.
Clifton will retire from the partnership in March 2027 after 27 years with the firm. Having joined Knight Frank in 2000, Clifton built a distinguished career in the Capital Markets business before leading the firm’s Commercial division for seven years. He was appointed UK managing partner in 2025, a role created to strengthen leadership across the UK business.
Robinson will begin a transitional period ahead of formally assuming the role. This will support an orderly handover and enable him to work closely with colleagues across the partnership on the continued delivery of Knight Frank’s long-term UK strategy.
William Beardmore-Gray, senior partner and group chair of Knight Frank, said: “Tim combines deep experience, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to Knight Frank’s values and culture. He is exceptionally well placed to lead our UK business through its next chapter.
“I would also like to thank Stephen for his outstanding contribution to the Partnership. His leadership has helped strengthen our business, nurture future talent and reinforce the collaborative culture that remains central to Knight Frank’s success.”
Tim Robinson, head of commercial at Knight Frank, said: “Knight Frank is an exceptional business, built on the strength of its people, the quality of its advice and the trust placed in us by our clients. I am incredibly proud to have been elected as the firm’s next UK managing partner.
“Stephen has overseen a period of significant progress for the UK business, helping to future-proof the partnership through strategic investment in data and technology, strengthening our culture of collaboration and developing the next generation of leaders. I look forward to working closely with him during the transition and building on these strong foundations as we continue to evolve our business and deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.”
Main image: Tim Robinson, UK managing partner elect, Knight Frank
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