UK Forbes Global Properties has appointed former Strutt & Parker board member Charlie Willis as Founder Partner and Managing Director as it builds its luxury residential brokerage operation.
Willis (main picture, right) brings more than 30 years’ experience in the prime Central London property market and will work alongside Founder and Chief Executive Officer Martin Bikhit (main picture, left) on growing the business across London and the wider UK.
He spent six years at Foxtons before joining Strutt & Parker for 18 years, where he became a Full Equity Partner and board member before going on to lead its London Residential Sales and Lettings businesses.
Willis has since advised private clients through Charlie Willis London and held senior leadership roles with The London Broker, focusing on prime and super-prime residential property in London, across the UK and internationally.
UK EXPANSION
UK Forbes Global Properties launched in May with a focus on prime residential property, particularly homes valued above £10m in London and £5m elsewhere in the UK.
Willis will continue advising clients personally while helping to recruit experienced property professionals as the business develops its UK brokerage platform.
Bikhit says: “Charlie is exactly the sort of person I wanted alongside me as we build this business. He has operated at the top of the London market for decades, has led large teams and, importantly, has also experienced the market as an independent broker.
“Bringing Charlie into the business as a Founder Partner is therefore about considerably more than adding another successful agent. He will play an important role in helping us build the next generation of the firm.”
BROKERAGE MODEL
Willis says the changing expectations of both agents and clients were central to his decision to join the business.
He adds: “What Martin is building brings those things together in a very compelling way, enabling great agents to elevate their own personal brands.
“Forbes is one of the most recognised names in the world, but what particularly attracted me was the opportunity to help build a business around experienced individuals, entrepreneurship and collaboration rather than recreate a traditional corporate agency.”
