Savills plc announced new hires include Alec James Smith, who has recently become part of Savills as the Director of Sales and Leasing, assuming a pivotal role in advancing the brokerage's presence in Dubai. He is set to lead a team comprising over 100 agents, overseeing operations throughout Dubai. Marc Tennant, an experienced negotiator and off-plan specialist, joins Savills in the role of Director of Exclusive Projects and Off-Plan in the Middle East.

He will lead the launch of a number of new exclusive project mandates, the company said. To capitalise on the consultancy firm's 700 global offices, Filippo Simonato joins as a Director of International Residential Sales. Simonato's role will liaise with the global Savills network to raise the profile of the Middle East region and drive inbound investment.

Recognising the particular importance of investment from China, Lin Zhou has been appointed Head of the China Desk to cater to Chinese demand for property, working with the company's 9,000 employees across 18 offices within China. Amelia Sykes joins to handle the critical role of talent acquisition at Savills in the role of Head of Talent Acquisition for Savills Middle East.