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The commercial firm has added a new head of retail investments in preparation for what it predicts will be “stronger market conditions this year”.
Knight Frank’s newest executive is Campbell Aitken, who brings with him over two decades of real estate experience to his new role as partner, head of retail investments.
Mr Aitken previously worked as the chief investment officer for ASX-listed property management company Region Group, where he was responsible for “the growth of its national portfolio to over 100 supermarket-based shopping centres”.
He also worked as the chief operating officer of Region Group, and took leadership roles at Walker Corporation, Charter Hall and Macquarie Bank.
Mr Aitken expressed confidence about the year ahead, sharing that he’s excited to “strengthen Knight Frank’s retail capability leveraging off the existing strong corporate brand and my personal experience built over 20 years in the Australian retail market”.
“I look forward to bringing my retail investment knowledge to Knight Frank to build upon the team’s capacity and better service clients,” Mr Aitken said.
Justin Bond, Knight Frank’s national head of capital markets, expressed support for the new appointment, stating that Mr Aitken “will be a wonderful addition to our team, bringing extensive experience and knowledge of the industry to benefit our valued clients”.
Mr Bond added: “Having worked in the industry for more than a quarter of a century, he also has strong relationships that can be leveraged to provide the best transactional solutions across our national capital markets platform.”
Looking forward, Mr Aitken and the broader Knight Frank leadership team predict a stronger year for Australian property.
Knight Frank’s chief executive officer, James Patterson, stated: “We believe the commercial property market will start to begin its recovery this year, and we are expanding our team to prepare for an increase in transactional activity.”
Mr Patterson’s prediction comes off the back of Knight Frank’s recent assertion in their latest Australian Retail Review report that “an improved vintage awaits investors this year”.
Knight Frank predicted a 2024 turnaround in the commercial sector as early as July last year, when the firm stated that 2024 would mark a “turning point” in Australian property.
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