Knight Frank has appointed a new Head of Global Portfolio Solutions (GPS) in Australia, building the agency’s capabilities in this service line.

Francesco Demarco has been appointed in the role of Partner, Head of Global Portfolio Solutions, in which he will be based in Melbourne, working closely with the global property consultancy’s Asia Pacific and GPS teams, leading all GPS activity in Australia and New Zealand.

He will also be the regional lead for Cresa, supporting them in Australia as Knight Frank’s relationship with the world’s largest occupier-centric commercial real estate firm grows following an announcement of a partnership to deliver occupier real estate services globally late last year.

Mr Demarco has more than 10 years’ experience in commercial real estate, working on behalf of occupiers.

He joins Knight Frank from Cushman & Wakefield, where he worked for more than seven years, and prior to that for two years at JLL.

Knight Frank Partner and Chief Executive Officer James Patterson said Francesco had worked closely with many corporate occupier customers providing services such as account, transaction and project management across multi-asset real estate portfolios.

“He has a strong background and experience in supporting corporate occupier clients with all aspects of the real estate life cycle,” he said.

“This experience includes a period working in Europe, the Middle East and Africa based out of London, which has given him a really strong global perspective that will help Knight Frank build our in- bound pipeline.

“This exciting hire helps us further build our GPS capabilities in ANZ.

“Our existing team members will continue to focus on supporting the delivery of services on key existing GPS contracts, while Francesco will focus on growing the business through the establishment of new relationships.

“Our GPS team will work closely with our local Occupier Services and agency business to leverage cross-collaboration opportunities where appropriate.”

Mr Demarco said he was excited about the new role at Knight Frank, and was looking forward to leading growth in the agency’s GPS service line.

“I’m very excited to be joining a dynamic and growing Knight Frank team,” he said.

“Knight Frank’s approach to client service and people is really appealing to me and I am looking forward to being able to bring that enthusiasm and expertise to clients across the region.

“Arguably the past two years has been the most challenging time in recent history for occupiers of real estate, regardless of the asset class.

“There has been - and will continue to be - a lot of change, which presents a great opportunity for Knight Frank to help our clients and for our clients to increasingly lean on us as experts.

“I believe my global perspective and work across most asset classes will be of value to both Knight Frank’s clients and teams.”