Knight Frank Australia has announced the appointment of a new CEO, with former Lendlease Australia CEO Rod Leaver taking over the role from May 6.

He replaces outgoing CEO Stephen Ellis, who will retire on June 30 after nearly 10 years with the company.

Mr Leaver said he was "delighted" to be joining such an established firm.

"The focus on delivering outstanding client service by providing the best professional advice together with developing outstanding talent accords very much with my own approach to business," he said.

"As a partnership, Knight Frank encourages a sense of entrepreneurship amongst its people while also taking a long-term perspective.

"I am very much looking forward to starting in May.”

Since returning to Australia in 2016, Leaver has been advising groups on real estate strategy, portfolio governance and urban regeneration projects.  

Prior to that,  Leaver spent eight years at Lendlease holding roles as Global Head of Investment Management, CEO of Lendlease Australia and CEO of Lendlease Asia.  

While CEO, Leaver successfully formulated and executed a new strategy for Lendlease Asia, securing two major urban regeneration projects in Singapore and Malaysia totalling US$6 billion, and its first Senior Living development in China.

Knight Frank Chairman and Senior Partner, Alistair Elliott, welcomed Mr Leaver to the team, while also paying tribute to his predecessor.

 “I would like to thank Stephen Ellis for his contribution to the partnership over the past nine years. His energy and enthusiasm have been central to the success of the Australian business and we wish him well in his retirement," he said.

"I would also like to welcome Rod, whose credentials are absolutely aligned with our desire to substantially grow the Australian business over the next few years.”

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