International real estate advisor Savills has today, 12th September, announced the appointment of Caroline Pontifex as head of its workplace consultancy and design studio (KKS Savills). Caroline will succeed Katrina Kostic Samen who takes on a new role in the firm’s North America business as vice chair and head of Savills workplace studio, based in the firm’s New York office.
Caroline has over 35 years’ experience in the real estate sector and was a partner of KKS Strategy, which was first established by Katrina Kostic Samen in 2004, before being acquired by Savills in 2019. Leading the strategic consulting team she specialises in occupier and workplace strategy, focusing on evolving trends and best practice across multiple sectors. Caroline has worked with key clients including Landsec, BlackRock and Great Portland Estates, advising on everything from workplace strategy and interior design to change management.
Caroline has completed a number of major projects across the globe. This has seen her work with renowned architects Calatrava International on Sohar International bank’s Oman HQ and provide workplace strategy, design and change management for AXIS Capital’s 52 Lime Street London HQ, as well as the firm’s Atlanta and New York offices. She was also instructed to give strategic design advice to Allen & Overy on its 2021 pre-let of 1-2 Broadgate in preparation for its relocation in 2026.
As part of her new role Caroline will be supported by the studio’s leadership team comprising Yetta Reardon Smith, Carl Mitchell and Paul Butterworth. The leadership transition coincides with the 27 strong team relocating from its current Great Peter Street base in Victoria to a new design studio within Savills Margaret Street HQ.
Simon Collett, executive director and head of building & project consultancy at Savills, comments: “This is a very exciting time for the studio who I have no doubt will continue to thrive in their new Margaret Street home under Caroline’s leadership. We also want to thank Katrina for her significant contribution to building the Savills workplace, strategy and design offer and very much look forward to collaborating with her in her new role as part of our North American business. This is a fantastic opportunity to further bolster the firm’s global workplace capability.”
Caroline Pontifex adds: “I am delighted to be taking on the mantle of leading Savills workplace & design team (KKS Savills) into a new era as we move into Margaret Street. I am lucky to be supported by a fantastic leadership team and we will continue to work closely with our colleagues across the business to implement our workplace strategies and designs for both existing and new key clients.”