A French boutique hotel will be traded for Australia's post-covid industrial sector as part of of Knight Frank's latest appointment.

The company has recruited Darren Benson as its Head of Industrial Logistics, replacing James Templeton who has been interim during the selection process for the role.

Mr Benson will relocate to Australia for his new role at Knight Frank from France, where he and his family have been based whilst restoring a castle and converting it into a successful boutique hotel.

At a glance: 

• Darren Benson has started as National Head of Industrial Logistics at Knight Frank.
• He will replace James Templeton, Knight Frank Partner and Head of Victoria, who had been acting in the role in the interim.
• Darren has nearly 20 years’ experience in industrial property, having previously worked in leadership and agency roles across the Asia Pacific.

The Chambres du Pont de la Légende in France. Source: Chambres du Pont de la Légende Facebook

With nearly 20 years of industrial property experience, during which time he has held both leadership and agency roles within Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region, he told WILLIAMS MEDIA it was the right time to resume his career in the sector.

"The most satisfying aspect of a leadership role is to empower a team to get the best out of themselves," he said.

"My experience building market-leading industrial brokerage teams in Asia, overcoming significant cultural differences and a constantly changing economic and social climate is the ideal preparation to succeed in this year of great challenges."

Knight Frank Partner and National Head of Agency Ben Schubert said Mr Benson had a wealth of experience in the Australian industrial market and in life, both of which would stand him in good stead for his new role at Knight Frank.

“After a short Sejour in France, Darren is keen to re-enter the Australian industrial market, and we are thrilled to have him joining Knight Frank,” he said.

“His appointment to the role of National Head of Industrial Logistics was made due to his lengthy experience in the industrial logistics sector, his proven performance-based strategic leadership capabilities and his strong alignment to the values of Knight Frank.

“During his career in Australia’s industrial property industry Darren completed deals of up to 85,000 square metres with major institutional clients, and is well equipped to lead our industrial team going forward.

“The industrial market has been one of the most resilient this year, despite the challenges of COVID-19, with demand continuing to grow largely due to the rise in e-commerce, and we look forward to providing the best solutions and service to our clients for the remainder of this year and beyond.”

Mr Benson said COVID-19 had "fast-tracked" the shift toward purchasing moving online. 

"This is a phenomenon which emerged over a decade ago in China and to support that growth, larger and larger warehouses (XXL) were built, with enhanced pick and pack characteristics," he said.

"This is certainly one of the main reasons industrial real estate has been the best performing sector in Australia and globally in recent times and with the structural shifts taking place shall continue."

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