Knight Frank, the global property adviser, has launched a new data centres offer across EMEA and APAC with the appointment of Stephen Beard.
Joining as a partner and head of EMEA and APAC data centres, he will lead the new dedicated service line, as the firm continues to expand its global remit.
Beard joins from CBRE where he was an associate director working across the data centres division.
In a statement, the firm said: 'Stephen will be at the forefront of building the firm’s EMEA and APAC data centres offer, to concentrate on this rapidly growing part of the alternatives market and Knight Frank’s strong capital markets capabilities.'
The team will specialise in investment, site transactions and occupier advisory, particularly in key markets such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris in Europe and the core APAC markets of Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong, in addition to the fast-emerging markets throughout both regions.
It is expected that the new set-up will work closely with Knight Frank’s industrial and land teams.
Alistair Elliott, senior partner and group chairman, said: 'Stephen’s appointment is hugely exciting and drives forward our strategy to provide our clients with the best market-leading insight and commercial opportunities across the globe.'
Beard explained: 'As an emerging asset class, the data centres market is growing exponentially; we are experiencing unprecedented levels of demand in the sector and there couldn’t be a better time to launch and grow a dedicated EMEA and APAC offer.'
