Spicehaart to appoint new boss as Paul Smith becomes ...

Industry stalwart Paul Smith has stepped down as chief executive of Spicerhaart.

The company announced yesterday that the 62-year-old is taking on a new role as executive chairman of the business to drive its acquisition and partnership strategy

The brand hasn’t revealed his replacement but said this will be done imminently.

He is taking over from non-executive chairman John Spence, who recently retired after 12 years in the role.

Smith said: “Although it is an extremely challenging time to be in estate agency, it is also very exciting and I’m looking forward to working with my team and focusing on growing the business through our partnerships model, as well as acquiring new businesses and embracing the opportunities that artificial intelligence brings.

“I learnt so much from John and he will continue as a consultant to the business, with us both contributing strategic and financial knowledge to support the running of the organisation.

“So much has changed in estate agency over the last four decades and we have always tried to stay ahead of the game when it comes to technology, but I repeat my mantra that this business is about ‘people powered by brilliant tech’ and we have seen repeatedly that vendors want to know there are real people who can get their house sale over the line, not an avatar.”

Smith, who founded the business in 1989, said the company plans to develop its partnership programmes with home-based agents and is looking at acquiring more lettings businesses, growing the number of self-employed financial advisers with Just Mortgages, and introducing a new conveyancing offering.