Savills Strengthens AUNZ Leadership, Appoints New CEO and Head of Capital Transactions and Advisory

Savills has named Paul Roberts as its new Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand, marking a key leadership step as the business sharpens its focus on growth, connectivity and strategic alignment across the region.

With more than 20 years’ experience across institutional real estate, capital markets, and advisory, Paul brings a strong track record of commercial leadership and transaction execution to the role, which he starts in the global agency’s Sydney office on 15 July.

Having previously held roles with Knight Frank, Dexus and Lendlease, Paul has worked alongside some of the largest investors and property owners in the country, having been involved in high-value, highly complex deals, many of which have shaped major markets, including the $1.3 billion sale of a 66% interest in 55 Pitt Street, Sydney, the $630 million transaction of 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, and the $420 million Blue Tower & The Annex deal in Brisbane.

As CEO, Paul will lead Savills’ strategy, operations and performance in Australia and New Zealand, working closely with his counterparts across Asia Pacific and Savills’ global leadership in the UK to create stronger integration and collaboration across the business.

Speaking on the announcement, Martin Fidden, CEO of Savills Asia Pacific, said, “Paul brings deep market expertise, a strategic mindset, and a strong people focus to this role. His experience overseeing major deals and leading high-performing teams positions him well to build on the momentum already created across the AUNZ business.

“I look forward to working with Paul and the broader team as we continue to strengthen the Savills offering across our region and globally,” Martin added.

Commenting on his appointment to the executive position, Paul Roberts said, “Savills has a long-standing reputation here in Australia, New Zealand, and globally, for client service, insight and professionalism, and I see enormous potential to build on that in the years ahead.

“There’s a strong team in place, and my focus will be on amplifying what’s working well, driving clarity in how we operate and building greater connection between our people, our clients and the Savills global network,” Paul said.

Adding further strength to the agency’s strategic ambitions, Ben Schubert has been appointed Head of Capital Transactions and Advisory and, with more than two decades of experience and career transaction volumes exceeding $15 billion, brings a wealth of expertise, leadership, and client insight to the role.

Having held previous roles with Knight Frank and the GPT Group, Ben has an impressive track record leading some of the country’s most high-profile and sophisticated office transactions, demonstrating his ability to navigate evolving market conditions, raise cross border capital and deliver exceptional outcomes for his clients.  Ben also provides capital advisory services, helping clients raise funds across office, logistics, living and life science sectors.

Key deals include the sale of a 66% interest in 55 Pitt Street, Sydney ($1.3bn), 135 King Street, Sydney (~$600m), a 50% interest in 101 Miller Street and Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney ($422m), 7 Spencer Street, Melbourne ($312m) and the recent 20 Bridge Street, Sydney sale for (~$280m).

Speaking on Ben’s appointment, Mr Fidden said, “Ben’s arrival signals our strong global commitment to capital markets as the business enters a new phase of growth across Australia and New Zealand.

“Ben’s deep understanding of investor priorities, proven track record in high-value transactions, and ability to lead teams through evolving market cycles will be invaluable as the agency continues to grow its presence in a highly competitive landscape,” Mr Fidden concluded.