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James Templeton is stepping down from the role of managing director of Knight Frank’s Victorian operations, triggering two new managing director appointments at the firm.
Effective from 1 October, Templeton will step away from the managing director role to focus purely on his work as partner, national head of industrial, at the real estate giant.
Dominic Long, partner and managing director of Queensland, will now move into the role of managing director in Victoria, opening the door for Justin Bond to take on the Sunshine State partner and managing director position.
Knight Frank said the key changes come as the business “continues to focus on its strategic growth ambitions”.
Templeton, who is stepping down from the Victorian managing director role, has been leading the Victorian operations for more than 12 years.
According to Knight Frank CEO James Patterson, the latest changes align with their strategic growth ambitions, which include a heightened focus on industrial.
Speaking about the experience brought into the business by Templeton, “his extensive experience in the industrial sector, which has experienced major growth in recent years, will see our team continue to expand and provide our clients with the best service in this space”.
“During his time managing our Victorian office, James has displayed extraordinary leadership, including guiding the local team through the challenges presented during COVID,” he continued.
Templeton himself said he is keen to continue to focus on the industrial market, sharing “the industrial market has normalised this year after experiencing very strong growth for several years, but it is still one of the most sought after for investors”.
“Now, more than ever, our clients need solid advice and guidance in the market, and we are excited to continue to be a trusted adviser.”
Long, who will take over Templeton’s role in Victoria, has been with Knight Frank for the past three years and moved from Melbourne to Brisbane back in 2021 to take on the state managing director role, following more than two decades spent at the likes of Cushman and Wakefield and Savills where he was also in managing director roles within Victoria.
Patterson expects Long to “hit the ground running” in his management of the Melbourne office.
“He is very client-centric, and highly regarded in the industry, and will be a strong leader in Victoria, as he has proven to be in Queensland.”
For Long, it’s exciting to be making the return to Melbourne.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Brisbane, where I have led a high-performing and talented team over several years in a rapidly growing market,” he remarked.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support received from the local team and clients in Queensland, but I look forward to this next chapter that will see me return home to Victoria and work with the Melbourne team to expand and improve our service offering in the state.”
This transfer opens up the door for Justin Bond to take the reins in Queensland, and join Knight Frank’s national executive committee, and will continue to lead their Queensland capital markets business in his new capacity.
According to Patterson, Bond has “demonstrated strong leadership qualities since he was promoted to national head of capital markets two years ago, and will move seamlessly into his new position as head of our Queensland business”.
Calling him a valued member of the Queensland leadership team, the CEO said he “is highly respected by staff and the broader real estate industry”.
“While leading the Queensland business, Justin will also continue to deliver on his key strengths as a formidable institutional agent.”
From Bond’s perspective, “Brisbane’s commercial property market continues to offer abundant opportunities, driven by ongoing population growth and significant public and private sector infrastructure projects”.
Stating the city is undergoing a positive transformation, he said “many investors are viewing Brisbane as Australia’s top city for growth”.
“I anticipate Brisbane will be a very different city when it’s time to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I am looking forward to being part of its evolution.”
He concluded: “I’m excited to lead a tremendous brand and continue to work with talented people to enhance our culture, expand our business and deliver exceptional client service.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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