Phnom Penh, Cambodia, September 2026 – IPS Cambodia is pleased to announce the appointment of James Whitehead as Managing Director, marking an important new chapter in the continued growth and development of one of Cambodia’s leading full-service real estate companies.
James takes on the position after serving as Country Manager of IPS Cambodia. Over the past 18 months, he has played a leading role in the company’s strategy and operations, while helping drive its international investment activities, research, marketing and digital development.
As part of the leadership transition, David Murphy will step into the role of Founder, passing key executive responsibilities to James while remaining closely involved in supporting the business, its leadership team and long-term direction.
From a Boutique Agency to a National Real Estate Leader
Founded in 2009 by David Murphy, Independent Property Services (IPS) has grown from a boutique property agency into one of Cambodia’s most established full-service real estate companies.
Today, IPS employs more than 70 staff across its Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offices, bringing together Cambodian and international expertise across virtually every major area of the property industry.
The company provides a comprehensive range of services spanning residential sales and leasing, commercial real estate, condominium and investment sales, valuations and advisory, property management, corporate real estate services and market research.
Over 17 years in Cambodia, IPS has built its reputation around deep local market knowledge, professional service, long-term relationships and a strong commitment to integrity.
Its clients range from Cambodian and international property owners and homebuyers to developers, private investors, multinational companies and institutions.
James’ appointment represents the next stage in that development.
A New Chapter for IPS Cambodia
Commenting on the appointment, David said James had demonstrated his ability to lead the company during his first 18 months with IPS.
“James has proven himself a genuine leader at IPS over his first 18 months here. He has been instrumental in driving our business into the digital age of real estate and brings a phenomenal knowledge base from his previous leadership roles with a prominent regional real estate portal and established agencies, as well as his experience as a journalist and consultant within the Cambodian real estate sector.”
David added:
“James continues to bring innovation and practical solutions to the business, and I have no doubt he is the right person to lead IPS now and into the future.”
Since joining IPS, James has helped modernise the business, strengthen its digital and data capabilities, expand its international investment activities and further develop its research and advisory services.
He has also played an important role in strengthening IPS’s relationships with international investors and corporate clients, helping position the company as a trusted advisor for foreign investors and businesses entering and operating in Cambodia.
More Than a Decade of Experience in Cambodia
Originally from New Zealand and permanently based in Cambodia, James Whitehead has spent more than a decade living, investing and building businesses in the country.
His experience spans real estate, investment advisory, law, journalism, digital marketing and corporate leadership.
Prior to joining IPS, James held senior leadership and operational positions with a prominent regional property portal and established real estate agencies. These roles provided him with extensive experience across Cambodia and the wider Southeast Asian property sector.
Holding a double degree in Law and Arts, together with an additional degree in Journalism, James brings a multidisciplinary perspective to real estate. His experience combines market knowledge and commercial strategy with strong legal, communications and analytical foundations, alongside an understanding of the operational and investment considerations involved in complex property transactions.
Throughout his career, he has worked with a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, institutional investors, developers, family offices, high-net-worth individuals and private investors.
As Managing Director, James will assume overall responsibility for the strategy, growth and operations of IPS Cambodia, working closely with the company’s senior management and departmental leaders.
His priorities will include investing in IPS’s people and professional capabilities, further integrating technology and data throughout the business, strengthening corporate and developer relationships, expanding research and advisory capabilities, and continuing to attract international investment into Cambodia.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of Managing Director of a company with the history and reputation that IPS has built in Cambodia,” James said. “My focus will be on building upon those foundations, investing in our people, continuing to modernise the business and ensuring that our clients receive professional, realistic and data-driven real estate advice.”
David Murphy Steps into Founder Role
The leadership transition will see David Murphy move into the Founder role, while James assumes responsibility for the overall management and direction of IPS Cambodia.
David founded IPS in 2009 and has overseen its development from a boutique agency into a multidisciplinary real estate company with operations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
He will remain closely connected to the business, supporting James and the wider management team as IPS enters its next stage of development.
“I will step into the Founder role of the business and pass key executive duties to James. I will continue to champion IPS near and far and provide James and the team with all the support necessary to ensure the company’s continued sustainable and ethical growth,” David said.
He added:
“The principles on which we built IPS, integrity, professionalism, local market knowledge and looking after our clients, remain as important today as they have ever been.”
James said maintaining those principles while continuing to evolve the company would be central to his leadership.
“Our ambition is not simply growth for the sake of growth. We want to build a stronger and more professional company, investing in our team, technology, research and systems while maintaining the integrity and personal service that IPS has always stood for.”
Looking Ahead
With James Whitehead leading IPS Cambodia as Managing Director and David Murphy moving into the Founder role, the company enters its next chapter with a clear focus on its people, technology, research, international investment and professional capabilities.
The leadership transition builds on more than 17 years of IPS operating in Cambodia while creating a foundation for the company’s next stage of growth.
For clients, partners and investors, the direction remains consistent with the principles on which IPS was founded: professional advice, deep local knowledge, integrity and long-term relationships.
As Cambodia’s property sector continues to develop, IPS Cambodia will continue investing in the expertise, systems and people needed to help local and international clients navigate the market with confidence.
