Mark Dunford Appointed Managing Director Knight Frank Kenya

Knight Frank Kenya, a leading real estate consultancy, has announced changes to its C-suite with the appointment of Mark Dunford as the new Managing Director.

The firm also announced that Ben Woodhams will be stepping down as the Managing Director, effective 1st April 2022, to take up a new role within its parent company, Knight Frank LLP in the United Kingdom.Woodhams will be moving to Knight Frank’s HQ, in London, to run the Africa Desk and the company’s Africa Capital Markets service line.

His replacement, Dunford, is an experienced real estate professional and former Head of East Africa at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).Woodhams has been the Managing Director at Knight Frank Kenya for 19 years, having joined the Kenya office in 2003.Prior to that, Woodhams was the General Manager of the Tanzanian office for four years.

“It is has been an honour to lead Knight Frank Kenya over the last 19 years. Throughout this time, I have been humbled by the commitment and hard work of our people, and their passion for creating a truly purpose-driven company. I am very grateful to them, as I am to Knight Frank’s clients and the many other stakeholders with whom we have worked to build a long-term, sustainable business,” said Woodhams.

During his tenure, the company’s incredible talent, professionalism, and dedication over the years has positioned it as a leading independent real estate consultancy in Kenya. The company’s revenue also grew by 700% during this period, making Knight Frank a respected and trusted real estate firm.

“Great care has been taken to ensure that Knight Frank Kenya remains in good hands, and I have no doubt in my mind that the company will continue to flourish in 2022 and in the years to come,” said Woodhams.

“I look forward to moving back to East Africa and it is an honour to be taking over from Ben as the leader of Knight Frank Kenya. Knight Frank is a truly global firm with the benefit of a very talented and experienced local team based in Nairobi. I am excited by the prospect of collaborating with our partners in Kenya and across Africa to continue moving our business and iconic brand forward,” said Mark Dunford.

Dunford is taking over at the real estate consultancy at a time the real estate sector is still reeling from effects of COVID-19 pandemic, including a glut in office space as firms encourage the staff to work from home.

Alistair Elliott, Senior Partner and Group Chairman, Knight Frank said, “I would like to extend my gratitude to Ben for his remarkable leadership over the years and congratulate Mark on his appointment. I look forward to seeing our Kenya business’ next chapter under his leadership. We remain absolutely dedicated to growing our platform in Africa providing excellent service in the locations our clients need us most.”