Top agency’s new franchise operation gets ready for roll-out

Estate agency Chestertons has named the new chief operating officer for the roll out of its UK and Europe franchising operation.

Some months ago Chestertons - founded in 1805 and with 33 offices in London and 70 others around the world - revealed it was launching a franchise offering in the UK and abroad to allow agents outside the capital to operate using its brand. 

Today it’s named Jamie McMullan as COO for UK & Europe Franchising; he will be now be responsible for the roll-out of Chestertons’ franchise programme, in the UK and Europe.

He has 30 years’ experience in the real estate sector, having previously headed up Sotheby’s International Realty’s Europe, Middle East, India and Africa region. 

Chestertons has also named David Russell as chief marketing officer for global franchising and new homes; he worked with McMullan at Sotheby’s.

They will join the agency’s international team comprising global franchising chief executive Nick Witty, and chief operating officer international Gavin Vercoe - the latter recruited from Colliers International Asia - as they continue to develop the franchise proposition.

A statement from the company this morning says that future franchisees will benefit not only from Chestertons’ “best in class reputation” but more practically from being part of a close-knit network that regularly shares referrals, global best practices and new developments within the industry. 

This is a model similar in principle to one operated in the past by Chestertons’ former sister brand Humberts; the two companies formally separated over five years ago. 

“The business has invested heavily in PropTech as the real estate landscape has evolved, equipping current and future franchisees with innovative solutions to drive lead generation as well as additional value to agents. Chestertons also offers a wealth of ever-evolving marketing resources and robust back-office support as well as high-level data analysis functionality and crucial compliance support and training” boasts the firm.

New recruit McMullan says: “The property industry has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Whether you’re considering the emergence of PropTech or increased regulation when trading, estate agency businesses cannot afford to just stand still. Despite its heritage, Chestertons takes a modern, forward-looking approach to how technology and robust training can positively impact the success of their network.”