United Kingdom Sotheby’s International announces key hires
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty has expanded into the Cotswolds, recruiting country house aficionado Andrew Barnes, and strengthened its Surrey office with local estate agent James Phillips.
The recruitment of Senior director Barnes marks the beginning of a strategic expansion into the Cotswolds. He has spent 37 years in property, with a career that has taken him from prime central London to the south of France and back.
Having worked in Knight Frank’s Country House team, Barnes has a decade of experience selling country homes in prime locations.
He said: “It’s gratifying to sell people homes that they live in. I have a local, boutique agent mentality, but now have a corporate engine room behind me. From my point of view, this makes us the most complete brokerage.”
Meanwhile, director James Phillips has joined the Cobham-based team, bringing 13 years of agency experience.
Phillips started his career in the London neighbourhoods of Bloomsbury, Highbury & Islington and Clerkenwell. He worked with Savills for seven years, spending six of those in the prime team. He now specialises in the super-prime private estates of St George’s Hill, Burwood Park and Ashley Park.
Phillips stated: “It’s a pertinent time to join United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly moving along the wealth corridor, out of Prime Central London, and opting for a home in the countryside. I am excited to join a brokerage where I can pull on my years of experience, deep local knowledge and prime property expertise.”
George Azar, chairman & CEO of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, added: “This expansion further into the English countryside underscores our strength as a brokerage. Our unwavering pursuit of the best talent in real estate reflects the value we place on personal connections, local knowledge and upholding a name known for prestige and pedigree. This is a significant milestone on our journey to lead the luxury real estate sector in the UK”.
Chestertons bolsters PCL sales team with appointment of Tom Glenn
Chestertons has announced the appointment of Tom Glenn as a senior negotiator in the firm’s Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea office, based on Lowndes Street.
Glenn joins the sales team following a successful stint in lettings at Chestertons in which he was one of the company’s highest billers.
In his new role, Glenn will work alongside Elliot Fensom, head of Sales for Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea following Fensom’s recent appointment from Chestertons’ Mayfair office.
Glenn commented: “The office’s reputation in the area is exceptional and I am excited to contribute to Chestertons’ continued success.”
New Chair for Women in Residential Property
Women in Residential Property (WiRP) has announced the appointment of a new chair for the next two year term.
Partner and head of conveyancing services at national law firm Foot Anstey, Rebecca Kibby takes up the role and will work alongside the existing committee and advisory groups to take WIRP forward into its next phase.
Based in Bristol, Kibby is a highly commercial, innovative lawyer with over 25 years’ experience in the residential property market.
Kibby commented: “Over the next two years, I’m looking forward to deepening our focus on membership engagement and creating more opportunities for meaningful connections across the industry. WIRP has always been about championing collaboration and community, and I’m excited to build on that foundation.“
Kibby takes on the position from outgoing chair Nicola Broomham who has served since 2023.
Comings & Goings
