Leadership Shift at Savills ANZ: Paul Roberts Steps In as CEO

Savills has announced a new chapter for its Australia and New Zealand operations with the appointment of Paul Roberts as Chief Executive Officer.

Joining him in a key leadership position is Ben Schubert, who takes on the role of Head of Capital Transactions and Advisory.

Roberts, who officially begins in mid-July at the firm’s Sydney office, brings more than two decades of experience in institutional real estate, capital markets, and advisory.

His career has included senior roles at Knight Frank, Dexus and Lendlease, with a strong background in overseeing complex, high-value transactions involving major investors and property groups across Australia.

Among the high-profile deals Roberts has been involved in are the $1.3 billion partial sale of 55 Pitt Street in Sydney, the $630 million transfer of 201 Elizabeth Street, and Brisbane’s $420 million Blue Tower and The Annex transaction.

In his new role, Roberts will drive Savills’ strategic direction and performance in Australia and New Zealand, collaborating with regional leaders across Asia Pacific and the global executive team in the UK.

Roberts described the opportunity as one to strengthen an already well-regarded business:

“Savills has a strong name both locally and internationally. I’m focused on enhancing what we do best and improving the way we connect internally and with our clients across the wider network.”

Supporting the firm's growth strategy, Ben Schubert’s appointment adds further depth to Savills’ capital markets focus.

With more than $15 billion in completed transactions throughout his career, Schubert brings a wealth of experience in office investment sales.

His previous work includes leading deals such as the $1.3 billion sale of a stake in 55 Pitt Street, Sydney; the ~$600 million 135 King Street transaction; and the $422 million sale of a half-share in 101 Miller Street and Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney.

Martin Fidden, Savills’ Asia Pacific CEO, welcomed the leadership additions, noting Roberts’ commercial acumen and people-first approach, and highlighting Schubert’s appointment as a signal of the firm’s continued investment in capital markets across the region.