Santos Knight Frank launched
More than 600 top Philippines business leaders celebrated the grand launch of Santos Knight Frank (formerly CBRE Philippines) at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila. This was a landmark occasion for local real estate where industry veteran Rick Santos formally announced the rebranding of his organization through a long-term partnership with London-based Knight Frank, the world’s largest privately owned property consultant.
“After 23 years of industry leadership offering the best-in-class services to our customers, we are excited to move the company forward and capture regional and local opportunities as Santos Knight Frank,” said Santos, who remains chairman and chief executive of the company. “Our full-service company of 1,200 will continue to offer market-leading services and remain committed to our longstanding relationship with clients as we leverage on Knight Frank’s 120 years of heritage and legacy, strategic global presence, and client-centred philosophy.”
Hans Sicat, president and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange, congratulated Santos on this milestone: “In my professional and personal dealings with Rick, I can say that he is one who chooses to do things with integrity. Knight Frank also operates with a keen sense of integrity and professionalism. The experience and values of Santos Knight Frank will surely be the source of trust and confidence for its existing and future clients.”
Knight Frank Australia CEO Stephen Ellis flew to Manila to personally celebrate the official launch. “I’ve been asked many times why it has taken so long for Knight Frank to open in the Philippines, and my response was quite simply, we haven’t had the opportunity. That is why we were delighted when Rick Santos chose to partner with Knight Frank in one of the most exciting real estate markets in Asia,” he said.
Founded in 1896 and headquartered in London, Knight Frank has more than 400 offices in 60 countries, including a strategically important partnership with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank in the Americas and the market-leading West coast operations of Newmark Cornish & Carey in the United States. Knight Frank has handled some of the most high-profile real estate deals around the world, such as Empire State Building, The Shard, and London’s Olympic Village.