Thomas van Straubenzee
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
Global Head of the Private Office
London, GB
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
THE MARQUE
In Their Own Right
Biography
Thomas van Straubenzee MRICS is the co-head of Knight Frank’s global wealth team, which he founded in 2018 with Rory Penn after their firm, VanHan, was acquired by Knight Frank LLP. As a proprietary partner, he advises individuals and families on the sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. In 2023, he received recognition from Spear’s magazine as "Property Advisor of the Year". His work is defined by integrity, discretion and enduring professional relationships. Alongside his professional work, Thomas is active in charitable and conservation causes. Thomas chairs the Philanthropy Board of the Royal Albert Hall, where he supports restoration and community initiatives. He also serves on the Westminster Abbey Capital Appeal Committee, contributing to the King Charles III Sacristy project. Within his local community, Thomas actively participates in the Yorkshire Charity Clay Day, a large annual event, contributing to fundraising efforts for various causes, including the Yorkshire Militia, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and regional medical organisations.
He was a trustee of the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, established in memory of his late younger brother Henry, which helped develop 52 schools in South East Uganda over a 20 year span.
The name Straubenzee is of Prussian Protestant origin. Abraham Straubenzee was a brewer and Judge of Mohrungen in the early 17th century. The family transitioned to Holland where Ernst van Straubenzee, a Dutch army general, became Governor of Zutphen.
Ernst's brother Philip moved to Yorkshire in the early 18th century and married Jane Turner of Kirkleatham. Their eldest son Turner Straubenzee of Spennithorne was appointed vice Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding in 1791 and Colonel of the 1st North Yorkshire Militia.
Over 9 generations, 32 family members have served in the British Army, earning a collection of more than 100 medals.
The Record
Background
-
2018 — Present
Global Head of the Private Office
Knight Frank
Knight Frank is an independent global property consultancy, established in 1896, the firm provides advisory, sales, and management services across residential and commercial real estate, operating through a network of offices worldwide.
-
2012 — 2018
Managing Director
VanHan Ltd
VanHan Ltd was a property advisory firm co-founded by Thomas van Straubenzee and Rory Penn in 2012. The company specialised in prime residential and commercial real estate, offering tailored advice and transaction management for high value properties before being acquired by Knight Frank in 2018.
-
2005 — 2012
Chartered Surveyor
Strutt & Parker
Strutt & Parker is a UK property consultancy, founded in 1885. The firm provides professional services across residential, rural, and commercial real estate, including sales, lettings, valuation, planning, and development advice.
In Frame
Gallery
Formative Years
Education
-
London South Bank University
Estate Management
2004 — 2005
-
Newcastle University
Business Management
2001 — 2004
Areas Of Focus