Knight Frank’s Leadership Move Signals Regional Talent Focus
Knight Frank has appointed a chief people officer for Asia-Pacific. The move underscores the real estate advisory group’s strategic emphasis on people, culture, and long-term performance across one of its most diverse and growth-oriented markets.
Kristin Hay brings more than 30 years of experience in people and culture roles, alongside over 15 years living and working across Asia.
This combination of global perspective and on-the-ground regional understanding positions her to navigate the complexities of talent management across multiple jurisdictions, labour markets, and cultural contexts, according to a media release issued on Monday.
Cultural and Operational Transformation
Since joining Knight Frank more than five years ago, Hay has led a significant evolution of the firm’s Australian business. Her work has included implementing stronger people systems and technology, modernising reward frameworks, and promoting more human-centred ways of working designed to improve engagement and productivity.
Craig Shute, CEO, Asia–Pacific, highlighted the strategic importance of the appointment, saying, «Kristin Hay has had a significant positive impact in Australia, and we are delighted to extend her leadership across Asia–Pacific, strengthening our ability to build a connected, high-performing regional business».
Strategic Signal to Investors and Partners
By elevating its people leadership to a regional, board-level role, Knight Frank is reinforcing the link between human capital strategy and sustainable financial performance.
The appointment reflects a broader commitment to equipping its Asia-Pacific workforce with the environment, tools, and support required to drive growth, resilience, and long-term value creation.
