Connells agency director reveals retirement plans

Connells Group estate agency operations director Simon Arnes is set to step down next year after marking 50 years with the business.

Arnes, who reaches the 50-year milestone with the agency brand today, will retire and step down from the business at the end of March 2023.

He started with William H Brown estate agents, part of Sequence, in 1972, as the office boy when it was then trading as T H Warren & Son.

Arnes rose through the ranks to become the divisional managing director for Sequence’s Eastern and Central Division, and was responsible for a successful network of almost 100 branches covering East Anglia and the Midlands, as well as two auction centres, 40 lettings offices and five land and new homes centres. 

In 2016, he became group estate agency operations director charged with assisting to drive and develop Connells Group’s entire estate agency network and with maintaining its market leading position.

Arnes said: “I have been fortunate to have worked with some very talented individuals throughout my career, many of whom are now in senior positions running the company.

“I have also been very privileged to be part of Connells Group’s development and success and, whilst we are the largest estate agency group in the country, we still maintain the importance of our local presence.

“Our high street branches and local market knowledge remains vital despite the many changes over my 50 years, and with the technology revolution undoubtedly being the biggest.
“We must never forget that we are a people business and, in my view, this will never change, providing a full service to our customers that never loses sight of core estate agency.”

Connells Group Estate Agency chief executive David Plumtree added: “Congratulations to Simon on his remarkable milestone and, on behalf of the business, I would like to express our appreciation for all his hard work and service over the last 50 years.

“Simon’s whole career has been dedicated to driving the best standards in estate agency, and leaving a lasting impression on our business and, in due course, we wish him a very long, healthy and happy retirement.”