Veteran agency boss steps up to be Property Franchise Group CEO

Gareth Samples has been confirmed as the new chief executive of The Property Franchise Group, stepping into the role on Thursday this week - making the move earlier than previously announced by the company.

In February it was said that Samples would replace Ian Wilson in the second half of this year, enabling a handover period where they would both be working at the group.

However an announcement from TPFG to its shareholders said that Samples had already been communicating with franchisees, participating in the recent final results investor roadshow and forming strategy on the business' response to the Coronavirus. 

“With an orderly transfer of responsibilities having been completed Ian will step down from the board and retire on 30 April 2020” says the statement.

Samples has worked in the agency industry for three decades, much of it at LSL Property Services where he was managing director of Your Move brand - the largest single brand estate agency in the UK at the time. 

In this role he was responsible for Your Move’s franchise operation as well as having overall control of financial services and lettings and the strategy of the brand.

"We reiterate our delight that Gareth has joined the group at this critical time and look forward to the benefit of his leadership as CEO through what will be a changed landscape as a result of COVID-19. We have obstacles to overcome but also potentially some new opportunities to seize to return value to all stakeholders.”