Knight Frank has poached a top talent from rival Savills, appointing Liza-Jane Kelly as its new head of London residential sales. The industry veteran brings over 25 years' experience in the capital's market, where she'll oversee Knight Frank's London sales division and drive the strategy for its network of offices.
Kelly joins from Savills, where she led core London sales operations since 2018. Her new role at Knight Frank will also see her become a Proprietary Partner and join its Residential Board, as well as work closely with current head Rory Penn during a transitional period.
Penn is set to assume the Senior Partner and Group Chair position in April 2027, signalling a long-term leadership plan for the firm. Kelly's appointment is part of this strategy, which aims to strengthen Knight Frank's market presence under her expertise.
One key area she'll focus on is expanding the affiliate broker model, an innovative partnership between self-employed brokers and the established brand. This trend has been gaining traction in the industry, with firms looking to build more flexible structures that cater to changing client needs and priorities.
The appointment comes as estate agents increasingly turn to brokerage and self-employed agency models amid market uncertainty. With experienced professionals like Andy Harris joining Moveli and Gareth Kelly strengthening Harding Green's presence in prime central London, it's clear the industry is adapting to challenging conditions – particularly on pricing strategies.
This shift reflects a wider restructuring within London's residential sector, with firms seeking new operational models to navigate these challenges. As market leaders adapt their approach, senior agents are also looking for fresh platforms to leverage their expertise and client networks.