New CEO of Knight Frank SA excited about the future

MAIN IMAGE: Richard Hardie, new CEO of Knight Frank SA.

He is absolutely delighted and very excited to take the brand to new levels in South Africa, says Richard Hardie, the 39 year old new chief executive officer of Knight Frank SA, one of the country’s leading independent real estate consultancy’s.

Although South African-born, Hardie left South Africa at the tender age of eight to go to boarding school in the UK and in the holidays travelled between the UK, South Africa and his father’s home who was a British Diplomat posted in The Gambia, Delhi and Lagos during his school years. After school, he went to university in the UK and then moved to London to start his career at Foxtons Real Estate Agents. Later followed Harrods Estates before he began consulting for Phil Spencer of Garrington Home Finders. As managing director of Livingroom Estate Agents in Guernsey, he earned the agency a much-coveted Best Business Award. He has managed Knight Frank’s Atlantic Seaboard/City Bowl branch since 2016.

The real estate industry has been facing many challenges in the last couple of years, especially Cape Town with the ongoing drought and slowdown in house price growth rate but Hardie remains upbeat.

“I actually believe the property industry in South Africa is at a pivotal moment,” he says and explains: “Cape Town has become a REAL international destination and now features globally across media for many reasons including lifestyle and value for money from a global perspective. Our strengthened political situation has also helped with investor confidence.

“We are currently experiencing a softening of the market in Cape Town but this is also an opportunity to shine and be seen as the agency who keeps the market moving.”

Asked what keeps him so positive, Hardie replied that he loves his job. “I always have. Property will always be a key investment globally and the future for Cape Town is only bright.”

His vision is for Knight Frank SA to be truly connected to the international network. “We have already made strong headway and Knight Frank South Africa is very much on the map,” he says.

And to establish this agency as the one that agents want to work for. “I am a huge believer in communication, team work, brand awareness and customer service. Respecting and understanding the people who work for you is incredibly important to me.”

Commenting on the announcement from the Cape Town head office, chairman of the board Anne Porter said, “Knight Frank believes in rewarding excellence; Richard was identified for his ability to empower teams to match Knight Franks international standards of service. We believe this to be a pivotal appointment and are delighted to have him on board.”

Hardie will oversee the company’s residential operations in Cape Town. Alongside Nick Gaertner, newly appointed COO, he will lead a new management team.

Background on Knight Frank SA:

Anne Porter Properties was launched in 1983 and Anne Porter still owns the company. In 2004 the company entered into association with Knight Frank, a respected privately owned global property agency and consultancy. In 2013, after successful association, Anne Porter Properties rebranded to Knight Frank South Africa.

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