Lomond appoints Sam Mitchell as chief commercial officer
Lomond has announced the appointment of Sam Mitchell in the newly created role of chief commercial officer.
Mitchell, who was until recently was head of Purplebricks following the takeover by Strike, is a seasoned property professional with some 23 years of experience under his belt.
Mitchell previously worked as head of property management at Foxtons, where he first encountered Lomond’s Group Chief Executive Ed Phillips and Chief Revenue Officer John Ennis, and as Head of Lettings at Rightmove.
Mitchell’s background heavily emphasises the lettings sector, which Lomond says is the core tenet of its model, making him particularly well placed to sharpen the agency’s value creation strategy.
Working cross functionally and based in Lomond’s headquarters in the City, Mitchell’s remit will take him the length and breadth of the Lomond network, as he establishes strategies to deliver on Lomond’s ambitious growth and profitability objectives.
Mitchell said: “Joining Lomond, a business hallmarked by its exponential growth as well as its commitment to setting a new standard in the lettings sector, as CCO is an opportunity I’m thoroughly excited to take on, and I look forward to working with Ed and the team.”
Ed Phillips, group chief executive, added: “His [Mitchell’s] diverse industry experience, his credentials and attitude make him an excellent addition the senior leadership team at Lomond, and we look forward to the impact he is sure to create.”
Jefferies London appoints former Knight Frank to head up sales team
Jefferies London has appointed John White as head of sales.
White, a prime London property market specialist, has spent the past decade working as an agent at Knight Frank, including partnering the Mayfair office over the last five years.
White said: “Having worked in residential agencies for nearly 20 years I have seen the rapid evolution of how property is bought and sold and the brokerage model has been at the heart of this change.
“The way clients interact with agents has developed dramatically since the days when I first started my career and, today, sellers want to build a relationship with their broker that goes beyond the conventional notion of listing a property.
“They want creativity, they want people to be entrepreneurial, and they want access to the entire market. The brokerage model encourages agents to think outside of the box, to become more connected with other agents and brokers – rather than seeing them as the competition.
“This, in my opinion, truly benefits the client and was a large draw to joining Jefferies London at what I believe is a pivotal moment in residential agency.
Founder of Jefferies London, Damien Jefferies, added: “John’s extensive knowledge and experience within the prime central London property market is second to none and he’ll be an essential part of the brokerage as we look to grow our business over the coming months, further cementing our position within the market as one of, if not the go-to brokerage for prime London home sellers.”
Ben Madden elected Chair of Fine & Country National Advisory Council
Madden, who serves as the London representative on the NAC, steps into the leadership role following Graham Wilson’s decision to step down as chair.
The Fine & Country NAC plays a vital role within the UK network, comprising representatives elected from eight regions. The Council is responsible for providing mentorship, strategic advice, and guidance on the future direction of the brand, ensuring decisions benefit the entire network and its clientele.
Jonathan Handford, interim MD of Fine & Country, expressed his appreciation for Wilson’s contribution: “On behalf of the entire Fine & Country network, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Graham for his outstanding service and leadership as chair of the National Advisory Council. His dedication, insight, and unwavering commitment over the years have been invaluable in shaping the NAC’s effectiveness and guiding our strategic initiatives. He has set a high standard, and we wish him all the best.”
Reflecting on his time leading the council, Wilson commented: “It’s been a real privilege to serve as chair of the Fine & Country NAC. Over the past eight years on the NAC, the highlight has been working alongside great colleagues to help shape this exceptional brand.
“When I took on the Chair role in January 2020, there was minimal structure beyond a license agreement and fee-sharing protocol, which made the opportunity to help build a framework all the more exciting. I’ve enjoyed working with the NAC and Nicky Stevenson [MD of Fine & Country] to use that structure to support network growth and resolve challenges. It’s encouraging to see Jon Handford bringing energy, experience, and a clear focus on evolving Member Standards, an area I believe will be a priority moving forward.
“Special thanks to Mark Manning for stepping up as deputy following Napoleon Wilcox’s passing, and to Nicky Stevenson and Emilie Despois [chief marketing officer] for their invaluable support throughout.”
Speaking about Madden’s election, Wilson added: “Ben’s extensive experience as a business owner and in front line agency along with his natural ability to communicate with the network makes him the ideal candidate to be the next Chair. With a deep understanding of the industry and a strategic vison, Ben will continue to guide the NAC Members and help Fine & Country strengthen the network, which is already in the strongest position it’s ever been in.”
Madden added: “I’m grateful to have been elected chair of the National Advisory Council and to receive the support of my fellow members at such an important time for the brand. Fine & Country has long stood for quality, consistency, and innovation within the premium property market, and that reputation has never been more valuable.
“With new brands emerging and the agency landscape continuing to evolve, it’s clear we’re approaching another period of transition in how estate agency is practiced and perceived. Many within the industry are striving to achieve what Fine & Country has already built, a strong, recognisable brand with a clear identity and a network of highly capable professionals.
“As we look ahead, I believe this is a key moment to focus on innovation, reinforce what makes us distinctive, and continue raising standards across the network. By working collaboratively, both within the NAC and with Head Office, we have a real opportunity to shape the next phase of the brand’s success and deliver even greater value to our licensees and their customers”
Comings & Goings
