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Knight Frank has unveiled two new appointments to its capital markets business as it seeks to bolster the team nationally.
Knight Frank has announced Rob Sewell as its new partner, national head of institutional sales, while Michael Kwok has been promoted to partner, national head of capital markets.
Both roles will be based in Knight Frank’s Sydney office.
Sewell brings more than three decades of experience in commercial real estate across Australia and New Zealand, having worked previously at McVay Real Estate, JLL and CBRE.
Knight Frank said Sewell will be an asset for the network, having transacted more than $26 billion in property during his career, including $2.5 billion in office deals over the past four years.
“Rob has completed 30 major deals over the past seven years across every state in Australia. This includes leading some of the country’s most significant transactions,” the company said.
“Rob’s expertise spans capital partnering, mixed-use developments, forward funding, divestments, acquisitions, strategic advisory and property swaps.”
The agency added that Sewell represented a range of clients, including Blackstone, Brookfield, Dexus, GIC, Mirvac, QIC and Stockland.
Meanwhile, Kwok joined Knight Frank earlier this year as head of capital and strategic advisory in ANZ.
With over 25 years’ experience in real estate and asset management, Kwok previously held senior roles at Archerfield Property Group, Dexus, Valad and Colonial First State GAM, and has been involved in more than $10 billion in capital transactions and developments.
He also played a crucial part in establishing and managing more than $2.5 billion in wholesale investor property partnerships.
With proficiency in deal origination, due diligence, design and construction, leasing and asset management, Knight Frank said Kwok will play a critical role in the team.
“Michael’s ability to understand the needs of capital and match them with opportunities will be key to growing our capital markets offering nationally,” it said.
Knight Frank chief executive officer, James Patterson, said the agency was looking forward to many years of growth under Sewell and Kwok’s leadership.
He said Sewell’s solid market knowledge and ability to hold strong client relationships will be pivotal in delivering exceptional outcomes.
“Rob will work closely with Justin Bond, who is a well-respected and long-term member of the capital markets team with an exceptional track record in national and cross border office transactions, in addition to his role as the managing director of the Queensland business,” Patterson said.
He added that Kwok had already made a significant impact on the business after joining only a few months ago.
“He will now lead our teams around Australia, in all sectors, including office, retail, healthcare, alternatives and industrial and logistics to success, as well as expanding our skill sets in capital advisory with his investment management expertise,” Patterson said.
Sewell said he was drawn in by Knight Frank’s reputation in the market and the brand’s strength in Australia due to its leadership and partnerships.
“The ethos of Knight Frank also aligns with how I want to conduct business, and that is to be a trusted adviser to clients, and provide genuine care for both clients and staff,” he said.
Kwok said he was excited to lead Knight Frank’s capital markets teams and make an impact for clients.
“I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead and foster collaboration across the capital markets teams, and to grow Knight Frank’s capital advisory offering to our clients across Australia and working closely with our APAC office in Singapore to leverage our relationships across the Asia-Pacific region,” he concluded.
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