Propertymark announces new divisional presidents and vice presidents
Propertymark has announced its new presidential team, with this year’s successful vice presidents joining the presidential teams for the sales and lettings divisions.
Megan Eighteen and Mary-Lou Press now move into their ultimate roles as division Presidents, where they will represent members in the media and at events.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “Propertymark is expanding, developing and creating new cutting edge member benefits as well as leading on vital conversations within the political and online realms. This marks an extremely exciting opportunity for our new Presidents and Vice Presidents to play their parts in these huge industry-leading conversations and transitioning these ideas into fruition – we are really excited to work with them.
“The whole of Propertymark would also like to extend a huge thank you and appreciation to Toby Leek and Angharad Trueman, who end their Presidential terms this year. They have dedicated their time and expertise to driving our strategy and vision forward, and will remain on the Advisory Panels as immediate past-Presidents.”
Lou-Press, president of NAEA Propertymark, commented: “I’ve been a member for 21 years, and I’ve loved it ever since I joined. We’re all agents, we’re all in it together, and having such a big support network with Propertymark is amazing.
“One of my aims for my presidential year is to improve the buying and selling process. We all know the process has its flaws, and the delays on conveyancing are jeopardising sales. It’s mainly about communication between all the stakeholders, and I want to work on that.
“Secondly, after meeting members across the different regions of the UK, it’s apparent that some aren’t taking full advantage of all the benefits they have at their fingertips within their annual membership – I want to help get that message across.”
Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, said: “I’ve been doing this job for around 16 years and have been a Propertymark member for 12. The moment I got involved I was completely bought in. This opportunity means the absolute world to me; it’s not something I ever thought I’d get to do. Belonging to the Propertymark family is something really special and important. The best advice I can give members is to see your membership that way – you are a part of something special.
“My aim as president is to inspire the next generation of property professionals. I didn’t necessarily have a clear expectation of where I was going to go with my career, and I think the earlier we can attract talent, train them, and retain them, the better it can be.”
Joining them are the two new vice presidents, Stuart Matthews and Ben Stokes, who begin their three-year stint progressing into the president-elect roles in 2026 before taking up their presidencies in 2027. The presidential teams lead the Advisory Panels, which are made up of practitioners who feed in to shape the direction of policy and voice members’ views.
Stokes, vice President of ARLA Propertymark, said: “I am absolutely passionate about the industry and I’m really looking forward to giving back to all the members and working alongside the fantastic people in the organisation.”
Matthews, vice president of NAEA Propertymark, added “Thank you to everybody who voted. It’s a real honour, and I look forward to my presidential year in 2027 – who know what will happen between now and then!”
Propertymark has also welcomed two new members to its advisory panel for its auctioneering arm, NAVA Propertymark: Olivia Boulting and Matt Burrows.
Stuart Collar-Brown, NAVA Propertymark President, said: “This is an exciting time for the industry body, and I have every confidence that they will provide a fresh outlook on how to advance NAVA Propertymark even further.”
Libby Watt joins Moveli
Libby Watt, the founder of Napier Watt in Mayfair, has joined Moveli.
A highly experienced agent, with over 25 years in the industry, Watt has worked for Hamptons, Featherstone Leigh and Garrington over the years, as well as her own estate agency, which she launched in Mayfair in 2010.
After relocating back to Harrogate, she has now joined Moveli to service her clients in both Harrogate and Prime Central London.
Moveli’s co-founder, Ben Littlewood, said: “Libby is a fantastic agent and a valuable addition to Moveli, further expanding our presence in England and bringing us closer to our vision of a seamlessly connected network of top-tier agents across the UK and beyond.”
L&G appoints Dan Batterton as head of housing
L&G has appointed Dan Batterton as head of housing, UK.
Batterton has been promoted to lead housing investment across L&G’s Asset Management business, encompassing Build-to-Rent, single family housing, affordable housing operations, purpose-built student accommodation and later living.
Batterton has more than 20 years of experience in the property sector. He has helped shape L&G’s long-term acquisition, development, sustainability, and operational plans for the residential sector.
He has launched several new investment strategies during his time at L&G, notably the Build-to-Rent platform in 2016, which has grown to more than £4bn and over 10,000 apartments across the UK.
Additionally, Batterton has been instrumental in securing co-investment opportunities from UK and international partners to enhance the UK’s rental supply. His team also shaped the recent purpose-built student accommodation operational strategy.
L&G plans to deploy approximately £500m into this sector over the next two years, aiming to grow the portfolio to over £1bn and manage around 5,000 beds across the UK.
Batterton said: “I am delighted to be leading L&G’s UK housing business under one integrated platform, bringing together the different tenures we provide to help scale this critical component of our private markets strategy. L&G has a long track record of delivery with this sector, and I look forward to leveraging the partnerships and trust we hold within the market to bring fresh client solutions and housing delivery across the UK.”
Michael Barrie, head of real estate, UK & Europe, L&G, commented: “Dan has been instrumental in the development of L&G’s housing platform, with a track record of scaling investment strategies in nascent segments of the market.
“The UK faces a severe housing crisis, and we are seeing growing demand from clients seeking exposure to the sector, offering attractive returns alongside positive social impact.
“L&G is committed to expanding our housing footprint to help deliver much needed homes across the country, and I look forward to working with Dan to execute our growth plans and take this vital component of our strategy from strength to strength.”
Comings & Goings
