Knight Frank has appointed Tim Robinson as its next UK Managing Partner, succeeding Stephen Clifton who will retire from the partnership in March 2027.
Robinson, who has spent more than 30 years with the property consultancy, was elected to the role following a formal internal process and will assume the position in April 2027.
Currently serving as Head of Commercial, Robinson has led Knight Frank’s commercial business through a period of market volatility, delivering record revenue and profit while expanding consultancy and recurring income streams. His tenure has coincided with significant regulatory changes affecting the property sector.
Leadership transition
As UK Managing Partner, Robinson will oversee the group’s residential and commercial operations across its network of 79 UK offices. He will also become Chair of the UK Board and remain a member of the Group Executive Board.
Clifton joined Knight Frank in 2000 and developed his career within the capital markets division before leading the commercial business for seven years. He was appointed UK Managing Partner in 2025, a role created to strengthen leadership across the company’s UK operations.
A transition period will begin ahead of Robinson formally taking over, allowing him to work with Clifton and colleagues on the continued delivery of Knight Frank’s long-term strategy. The leadership change comes as the property sector faces increasing regulatory pressure and market uncertainty.
Strategic direction
William Beardmore-Gray said Robinson combines experience and leadership qualities suited to leading the UK business through its next phase of development.
Robinson stated he would build on the foundations established under Clifton’s leadership as the firm continued to evolve its UK business. The appointment represents continuity in leadership, with Robinson having been part of the senior management team for several years.
The transition will be completed by April 2027, with both leaders working together during the interim period to ensure operational stability across the firm’s UK network.
