Top agency emphasises importance of High Street branches

Connells Group has revealed seven appointments to its board of directors which it links directly with a target to grow presence and market share on the High Street.

“These key appointments, each bringing with them tremendous value and their own unique experience, will allow us to meet our ambitious plans that build upon our position as the clear market leader within estate agency” says group chief executive David Plumtree.

“With all seven starting their careers in branch roles, they have a deep understanding of estate agency, putting us in the best position to further take advantage of the opportunities that exist within traditional high street agency. Our first-class leadership team will support our growth and development as we move our business forward at this time” he adds.

Six of the seven are internal promotions and the new members fall within what Plumtree calls “key divisions” within the Connells Residential and Sequence operations.

A Connells Group statement says they signal the firm’s intention to further strengthen its business “as it targets its next phase of growth.”

Within estate agency the new appointments start with Rob Jenner, promoted to divisional managing director for Sequence’s EC South 1 division. He joined the business in 1998 as a negotiator in the William H Brown branch and most recently held the position of regional director.

Jonathan Weedon, promoted to divisional managing director for Sequence’s EC South 2 division, joined William H Brown in 2006 and is promoted from his current role as regional director.

Also in estate agency is Chris Rosindale who rejoins from his most recent position as chief operating officer at online agency YOPA. He initially joined Barnard Marcus in 2012.

In the Connells Group Land & New Homes division Iain Berry and Jason Howes join the board, while new board members from Mortgage Services include Stuart Dare - a 20 year veteran at Connells - and Marc Lightfoot, who becomes managing director for Sequence Mortgage Services, having spent nine years with Sequence.