By Andy Young
Global property consultancy Knight Frank is expanding its hotels and tourism division with the appointment of Kate MacDonald as Senior Sales Executive.
MacDonald, who becomes one of Australia’s first female pub brokers, will join Mike Wheatley in the Knight Frank team. Having spent the last five years consulting for accounting firm PKF Sydney in the development of its financial management system for pubs, MacDonald brings a lot of experience and industry knowledge to the role, having also previously managed and consulted in operations for a number of pubs and venues around Sydney.
Knight Frank Managing Director Richard Horne, welcomed MacDonald to the company, saying: “We had been searching at length for a high quality professional to join our team and work closely with Mike Wheatley to enhance our strong tradition in the Pubs and Hotels sector.
“Kate is a proven industry leader who demonstrates all the key traits of being a very successful agent and we are confident that her strong relationship base will assist growing this area of the business and add value to our clients across the board.”
MacDonald will join Wheatley, who has over 30 years’ experience in sales of freeholds and leaseholds throughout NSW and the company is confident that MacDonald’s operational and financial knowledge of the modern pub scene will complement Wheatley’s vast experience and highly-respected track record.
MacDonald told TheShout: “I am excited to take on a challenge that will combine my personal interest in real estate, with my passion for hotels. I look forward to using my extensive operational and financial experience to assist vendors in obtaining the best possible results.”
“I could not have asked for a better opportunity. The detailed knowledge that Mike has obtained over 30 plus years in the market, and the level of transactions he has accomplished are second to none, and he’s just a top bloke too.”
One of the first venues the pair will work together on is the Glasshouse Hotel in Maroubra. The freehold and leasehold hotel currently has 24 gaming machines, a late license and a food offering, with expressions of interest closing on 21 June.