Walker & Dunlop bolsters EMEA expansion with Knight hire

Walker & Dunlop (W&D) has expanded its London-based Europe/Middle East (EMEA) office with the appointment of Aaron Knight as senior managing director, co-head of Capital Markets - EMEA. 

Aaron Knight

This strategic hire further strengthens the company's venture into international markets, which began earlier this year.
Knight brings over two decades of extensive experience in originating, structuring, and advising on commercial real estate debt products. In his new role, he will be responsible for sourcing both debt and equity capital for clients across Europe. His focus will span a wide array of asset classes, including traditional segments like build-to-rent, purpose-built student accommodation, logistics, office, and retail, as well as burgeoning alternatives such as life sciences, self-storage, and data centres.
Before joining W&D, Knight served as a director of debt and structured finance on the International Capital Markets team at JLL. His career also includes a tenure as an executive director at PGIM Real Estate, where he oversaw European debt origination. 
Walker & Dunlop's Capital Markets - EMEA operations have seen rapid growth since their establishment, onboarding eight professionals within the first six months. Knight joins a seasoned senior team that boasts principal-level experience and deep expertise in debt and/or equity capital raising, garnered from leading institutions including Natwest, RBS, KKR, Standard Chartered Bank, and Eastdil. 
Claudio Sgobba, senior managing director & co-head of Capital Markets – EMEA, said: "We are thrilled to have Aaron join our leadership team, bringing exceptional expertise and cross-regional experience that will enhance our structured debt and equity advisory. Aaron will be instrumental in driving growth and creating new opportunities for our clients and business across the region."
Aaron Knight added: “It is an exciting time to be aligned with an institution of Walker & Dunlop’s calibre. The European market continues to evolve, with an increasingly diverse range of lenders and capital providers active across asset classes and jurisdictions. Walker & Dunlop has acknowledged this from the outset, committing the resources necessary to grow the Capital Markets business.”