LONDON: The Property Franchise Group, one of the UK’s largest property franchises, announced the appointment of Gareth Samples as Chief Executive Officer Designate, further to the announcement on 31 July 2019 that Ian Wilson intends to retire in 2020.

It is proposed that Gareth will join the board of TPFG as Chief Executive Officer in the second half of 2020, enabling an orderly handover period from Ian. Gareth has joined the Group to commence work immediately on key projects alongside the executive management team.

With 30 years’ industry experience, Gareth brings a wealth of Estate Agency, Financial Services and digital marketing knowledge to the Group. In his 21 year career at LSL Gareth was appointed Managing Director of the Your Move brand, which was the largest single brand estate agency in the UK at the time.  In this role he was responsible for Your Move’s franchise operation as well as having overall control of Financial Services and Lettings and the strategy of the brand.

Following his successful career at LSL, Gareth became Managing Director of Briefyourmarket.com where he gained significant digital marketing experience and knowledge and since 2014 he has served as Chairman of Legalforlandlords.

The Company will make a further announcement regarding Gareth’s formal appointment in due course.

Richard Martin, Non-Executive Chairman of The Property Franchise Group, commented: “I’m enormously pleased to announce the appointment of Gareth as CEO Designate.  Gareth’s excellent credentials in agency are well known and his vision and experience will prove invaluable as the Board endeavour to maximise the many and exciting opportunities that present themselves to our group.”

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of The Property Franchise Group, commented: “After 16 years with the business, identifying my successor was a significant decision. We have benefitted from a tight and stable board since the IPO in December 2013, with no change in Chairman, CEO or CFO and this board has proven to be an engine for growth.  We are delighted that Gareth is joining the team as CEO Designate, as he brings a wealth of industry experience and shares our vision of franchising as a powerful force in our industry. Gareth will be working alongside me and the rest of our team over the coming months in preparation for his formal appointment later this year. Gareth will be introduced to investors at our final results roadshow in April.”

Gareth Samples commented: “I am thrilled to be joining The Property Franchise Group. The business is at a very exciting stage in its growth strategy with the recent launch of its financial services division alongside a huge opportunity to grow and improve its franchise footprint.  I am really looking forward to working with Ian and his team ahead of my formal appointment and I am determined to build further upon the incredible work carried out by Ian and the team.”

Edited by Kazim Rizvi