Ex-Countrywide director become agency chief executive

The former group marketing director at Countrywide has been appointed as global chief executive of Fine & Country.

Simon Leadbetter has also been the global head of marketing, communications and digital for Knight Frank LLP, as well as chief marketing officer of Keller Williams UK. 

His appointment to Fine & Country - which now describes itself as the fastest growing premium estate agency brand in the UK - means he joins the senior management team along with Nicky Stevenson as managing director of the UK, Daniel Harrington in charge of international growth, and Jonathan Handford as director of Fine & Country UK.

Jon Cooke, interim global chief executive of Fine & Country, says: “Simon’s business savvy and extensive marketing experience will be an asset to the brand and will help us to further expand and gain traction in reaching the number one spot in the premium market.  

“He has worked with some of the top names in the industry and his wealth of knowledge will assist the brand to achieve its vision of being the agent of choice within the upper quartile of the market internationally.”

Leadbetter says: "As an onlooker, I have always been impressed by the strength of the brand and its truly exceptional customer feedback. It will be an honour to work with the many talented people of Fine & Country and take its customer experience ethos global."

The company is in over 300 locations worldwide including Hong Kong, South Africa and Australia.