Knight Frank Hong Kong has announced the appointment of Craig Shute as the new CEO for Greater China. Based in Hong Kong, Shute succeeds Piers Brunner, who is currently on leave of absence. Brunner had held the role of CEO for Greater China since October 2015.

Shute joins Knight Frank from JLL, where he was the managing director for Victoria, Australia. He has over 25 years of leadership experience in the property industry, including almost eight years leading CBRE in Hong Kong and Taiwan between 2008 and 2016.

“I am sure Craig’s insights and expertise will be sought after by staff and clients alike and that Craig will be able to build on the strong foundation Piers Brunner has established for Knight Frank’s Greater China business,” says Kevin Coppel, managing director for Knight Frank Asia Pacific, in an Oct 31 press release.

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Coppel also thanked Brunner for his contributions, noting that the latter was instrumental in building Knight Frank’s capabilities and reputation across Hong Kong and Greater China. “ I look forward to Piers’ return to Knight Frank from his leave of absence in some capacity in time,” he adds.