_Black History Month spotlight: Charmaine Platt
Charmaine Platt is the HR Business Partner Lead for Commercial at Knight Frank, recently promoted to Partner. Having joined the firm in 2019 on a temporary contract, Charmaine’s rise through the ranks is a testament to her dedication and expertise.
Roots in South London
Born and raised in Brixton to Jamaican parents, Charmaine credits her upbringing for instilling a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose. Her father was a successful fur trader, and her mother worked in healthcare — teaching Charmaine the value of helping others. She pursued her love of storytelling and drama at Roehampton University, earning a degree in English Literature, which she believes helped shape her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Charmaine’s passion for theatre, especially Shakespeare, remains strong today. As a former member of the Young Vic, she continues to attend performances whenever her busy schedule allows.
A career with people
Charmaine’s career path may have started in an unexpected place — working as a Lecture Room Technician during university — but her passion for people soon took centre stage. After university, she joined Marks & Spencer as a trainee manager, where her natural talent for employee relations led to a 16-year career, focusing on supporting store openings and navigating complex HR challenges for a workforce of nearly 80,000. M&S also supported her through her CIPD qualifications, which became the foundation for her HR career.
Joining Knight Frank
In 2019, Charmaine was ready for a new challenge and found herself at Knight Frank, starting as a temporary HR Manager. She immediately connected with the firm’s culture and people, which soon led to a permanent role as HR Business Partner. Despite the challenges of building relationships over Zoom during the pandemic, Charmaine thrived, earning a promotion to Associate and later, Partner, during the 2024 remuneration cycle — a milestone she is particularly proud of.
Charmaine beyond work
Known by her family as fun, caring, and the one who loves to bring people together, Charmaine’s passion for connecting with others extends beyond her professional life. She enjoys hosting gatherings for friends and family, where her warmth and energy are on full display — a reflection of her natural people skills that have helped her thrive in HR.
Balancing motherhood and career
As a single mother, Charmaine initially kept her family life separate from work, but she has since embraced her role as a positive role model. She now openly shares her experiences, demonstrating that success is possible for everyone, regardless of background. She credits her supportive family, especially her parents, for helping her balance a demanding career and motherhood.
Her advice to others is simple yet profound: “Go with your gut, go with what works for you, and be honest.” These words reflect her own journey of navigating workplaces where diversity and representation were sometimes lacking, and her belief in the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all.
Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Knight Frank.