_Inclusion Week spotlight: Will Gubb
Who is Will Gubb?
Will Gubb, Head of Industrial Capital Markets at Knight Frank, has spent his entire professional career with the firm, progressing from Graduate to Proprietary Partner in just 11 years — the youngest to achieve this position. His journey is a testament to hard work, collaboration, and embracing challenges.
A competitive start
Born and raised in Newbury, West Berkshire, Will grew up as the middle child of three brothers, where competition was a constant feature of family life. This competitive nature shaped his leadership qualities early on, with Will excelling in sports and frequently taking on captain roles throughout school and university. His experience with dyslexia taught him to face obstacles head-on, a mindset that remains key to his success.
Building a career at Knight Frank
Will set out on a clear path to real estate by studying Real Estate Management at Oxford Brookes University, where he gained early industry experience through Knight Frank’s summer internship programme. He then joined the firm’s graduate scheme in 2011, working his way up through the Industrial Capital Markets team, eventually becoming a Proprietary Partner in 2023.
A pivotal moment in his career was participating in Knight Frank’s Broadening Horizons programme, spending four weeks in the firm’s Mumbai office in 2015. This international experience not only broadened his perspective but also gave him valuable insights into Knight Frank’s global partnership, while allowing him to engage with senior leaders who were eager to hear his feedback.
Joining the leadership team
Becoming a Proprietary Partner at 34 years of age brought both excitement and pressure, but Will quickly found that Knight Frank’s partnership structure fosters a supportive, collaborative environment. “Everyone wants you to succeed,” Will explains, highlighting how teamwork across service lines is crucial to the firm’s overall success.
The Proprietary Partner network meets regularly to discuss key decisions, ensuring they reflect the best interests of the whole business. Will values this partnership model, seeing it as essential for creating a unified effort that drives Knight Frank forward.
Leadership and mentorship
Throughout his career, Will has benefitted from the mentorship of great leaders such as Richard Claxton and Alastair Graham-Campbell. Their guidance has shaped his approach to leadership, something he now strives to pass on to others. “It’s important to be approachable and to offer genuine support. Property is a people business, and no one has all the answers. I always try to make myself available to my team, clients, and colleagues.”
Will believes that open communication, knowledge-sharing, and being present are essential for fostering growth within the business and bringing through the next generation of talent. As a leader, he emphasises the need to be engaged, accessible, and willing to learn from mistakes.
Embracing change and future-proofing
Will recognises that the rise of social media, AI, and changing communication methods are transforming the way Knight Frank operates. He notes that younger generations are well-positioned to leverage these shifts and bring fresh perspectives to the firm’s future success. However, he stresses that true impact comes from collaboration between generations, ensuring a unified approach to achieving shared goals.
Will's parting message
To the younger generations, Will advises: “Be open, approachable, and always ready to go the extra mile. Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and putting in the effort for your team, clients, and yourself will open doors.”
For leaders, his message is clear: “Be present, be approachable, and engage with your team. Make the work enjoyable and learn from mistakes. Positivity and ownership are key to everyone’s progression.”