_International Women’s Day: Promoting female voices across the firm

International Women’s Day is about celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Take a look at the official website here and enjoy this video based on the theme “Here’s to Strong Women”. 

This month we’re recognising some of our own “Exceptional Women”. These women truly demonstrate the behaviours that set Knight Frank apart in the industry. They all share the same drive and commitment, love to make a difference and believe that collaboration is key. 125 years on, our future is in very safe hands.  

These values are at the very heart of what we believe in. In fact, throughout the year we’re running a number of activities to launch our purpose and values and to fully embed them in the way we do things. 

Today, we’re shining a light on three of our nominees: Priya Black, Rebecca Bruce and Serena Bombassei.

Priya Black
Head of Baker Street New Homes, London

Priya is a Department Head and Partner within our New Homes team, based at our London headquarters.  She has worked at Knight Frank for 14 years, starting in the Residential Development team in Leeds before moving to the London New Homes team. She quickly progressed from Associate to Partner, before taking on the Head of Department role two years ago. 

Priya is passionate about her work, commenting, “My role as Head of the New Homes team in our Baker Street office involves managing a team who provide sales and marketing advice to developers across central London. We typically end up working with most of our clients for a number of years meaning relationship management is critical.”

Priya is actively involved in our Business Balance initiative. The group’s remit is to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, by challenging issues and increasing knowledge and awareness.

Rebecca Bruce
Commercial Sales and Leasing at Bayleys New Zealand

Rebecca joined the Commercial Sales and Leasing team at our New Zealand partner Bayleys Real Estate in 2018. Focused on Hamilton and the greater Waikato area, Rebecca is proud to have been part of the pitch team which recently won a development appointment from the largest property holder in the region. Rebecca was also named the top female salesperson for deal volume and value in 2020.

Rebecca really enjoys working with a wide range of clients to help find solutions for their businesses and their workplaces. When asked how she plans to #choosetochallenge herself, Rebecca shared she is determined that she and her team will exceed client expectations through exceptional service and continuous improvement.

Serena Bombassei
Owner and Managing Director at Venice Real Estate and Knight Frank Venice 

Serena is the Owner and Managing Director of Venice Real Estate, part of Knight Frank’s international associate network and has worked with the firm for over 10 years. She told us a little about her role: “I really like to make my clients feel welcome in their new city, I guide them step by step through the buying process of course, but I also enjoy the relationship that gradually builds up throughout the process”.

Serena describes her time during the pandemic as very difficult, but that she created a “nest” at home which was her salvation. “I was able to cultivate stronger relationships with my clients, keeping their interest in Venice and Italy alive.  Struggles can unite people, and this was true in this case”.

Serena then touched on the wider themes of International Women’s Day, “For me it’s about fighting and never giving up. It’s OK to fail and come back even stronger. To be successful in life you have to dedicate yourself completely, there is no middle ground. What makes me sure of myself is the loyalty of others and their support, which always guides me upwards”.