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David Forbes

Chairman, Private Office

Savills

London, UK

David Forbes

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David Forbes’ Biography

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David Forbes is Chairman of The Private Office at Savills which he set up in 2007.

David established The Private Office after recognising the need for a single point of contact for ultra-high net worth clients to access the Savills global network. Whether a client is looking to acquire an estate in the Scottish Highlands, sell an exclusive villa in Thailand, or invest in a portfolio in Knightsbridge, David is on hand to offer discreet and confidential advice based on his many years of experience of the global property market. He brings an eclectic mix of abilities and interests to The Private Office.

After being educated at Eton, David was commissioned into the 10th Gurkhas, and while based in Kathmandu became fluent in Nepali and Tibetan. An adventurer with a curiosity for other customs and cultures, there are few corners of the globe David hasn’t visited. He is equally at ease in Singapore, St Tropez or Shanghai, accumulating the knowledge and contacts that underpin his position as an advisor to the global elite.

David began his career in property at Chesterfield estate... David Forbes is Chairman of The Private Office at Savills which he set up in 2007.

David established The Private Office after recognising the need for a single point of contact for ultra-high net worth clients to access the Savills global network. Whether a client is looking to acquire an estate in the Scottish Highlands, sell an exclusive villa in Thailand, or invest in a portfolio in Knightsbridge, David is on hand to offer discreet and confidential advice based on his many years of experience of the global property market. He brings an eclectic mix of abilities and interests to The Private Office.

After being educated at Eton, David was commissioned into the 10th Gurkhas, and while based in Kathmandu became fluent in Nepali and Tibetan. An adventurer with a curiosity for other customs and cultures, there are few corners of the globe David hasn’t visited. He is equally at ease in Singapore, St Tropez or Shanghai, accumulating the knowledge and contacts that underpin his position as an advisor to the global elite.

David began his career in property at Chesterfield estate agents, selling high-end properties in Belgravia, Chelsea and Knightsbridge. As Chesterfield became recognised as one of the premier estate agencies in central London, David was delighted when Savills announced the further expansion of its business with the acquisition of Chesterfield in 2006.

With over four decades of experience, David is acknowledged to be an expert on property at the top end of the residential market, responsible for the sale of many of London’s most expensive houses and has built up a vast network of clients, providing invaluable advice to all. David offers all his clients the degree of professionalism he is renowned for, with the bonus of the broader marketing presence of the Savills organisation. moreless

David Forbes’ Newsfeed

The Times

The rise of private members’ clubs around the world

In this article for The Times, David Forbes of Savills talks about the history of members clubs in London and how the successful formula is spreading across the globe.

Savills’ herd of elephants gatecrash Green Park

David Forbes, Chairman of the Savills Private Office, says: “I’ve had a long-standing relationship with this charity, both personally and professionally, it’s a privilege to be a part of the Elephant Family’s journey again."

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David Forbes’ Background

Savills

Chairman, Private Office

Jan 2007 - Present

London, UK

Founded in 2007 by David Forbes, Savills' Private Office is a specialist department with in-depth global expertise, providing the discreet and confidential service ultra-high net worth clients require. Savills plc is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Chesterfield

Partner

Jan 1983 - Dec 2006

Chesterfield focused on selling high-end properties in Chelsea, Belgravia and Knightsbridge.

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David Forbes’ Gallery

Philanthropy

Elephant Family

Supporter & Fundraiser

London, UK

Elephant Family was established to protect Asia’s endangered wildlife in the most engaging and joyful way possible. Since its foundation in 2003 the charity has raised over £20 million, the majority via high profile public art events. Elephant Family is honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, as Joint Royal Presidents.

The Starlight Children's Foundation

Trustee

2012 - 2018

London, UK

Children diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition are often confused, scared and facing serious medical treatments. Through their various programmes, Starlight creates moments of joy and comfort for hospitalised kids and their families.

Media

Savills - Private Office Film

Please click the Play button to view David Forbes describing the services offered by Savills’ Private Office.

Features

Private Property

2018

David Forbes discusses how he founded Savills Private Office in 2007, and its formula for success.

Publications

Savills - Private Office Brochure

London, UK

Please click on the logo to view the Savills' Private Office Brochure, which explains how the Private Office enables clients to detail their requirements and agree on how they would like their account to be managed.

Savills - Private Office Showcase

David Forbes is Head of Private Office at Savills and regularly travels around the world to become more acquainted with clients' lifestyles and tastes. This enables him to understand the requirements of clients coming to live in London. Click on the logo to see the most recent Private Office Showcase.

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Awards & Endorsements

Spear's 500

Top Ten Property Investment and Finance & Private Office Services

London, UK

David Forbes consistently ranks in the top ten leading figures in Spear's Property Investment, and Finance & Private Office Services indices. To read Spear's most recent review, please click on the logo.

Spear's | Wealth Managers

Property Advisers 2020: Top 12 International and Strategic Advisors

London, UK

Spear’s readers will be hard pressed to find a figure more attuned to the global property world than David Forbes, head of Savills’ Private Office.

David Forbes’ Education

Eton College

1962 - 1968