LONDON: The Property Franchise Group announced that Gareth Samples will formally be appointed to the Board as CEO with effect from 30 April 2020.

Since the time of his appointment Gareth has been working alongside current CEO Ian Wilson, communicating with franchisees, participating in the recent final results investor roadshow and critically, forming strategy on the business’ response to the impact of COVID-19. With an orderly transfer of responsibilities having been completed Ian will step down from the Board and retire on 30 April 2020.

With 30 years’ property industry experience Gareth brings a wealth of knowledge to the Group. The Board welcomes his leadership at this challenging time for the industry, brought about by COVID-19.

Richard Martin, Non-Executive Chairman of The Property Franchise Group, commented: “We reiterate our delight that Gareth has joined the Group at this critical time and look forward to the benefit of his leadership as CEO through what will be a changed landscape as a result of COVID-19. We have obstacles to overcome but also potentially some new opportunities to seize to return value to all stakeholders.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors I extend my deep gratitude and respect for Ian’s 16 years of dedicated and expert leadership at what for the last six years has been TPFG PLC.

“The Board is extraordinarily grateful to Ian for his stewardship. TPFG has fulfilled the vision of its founders, its mission of bringing uniformity and influencing raised standards across the agency sector, much of this driven by the shrewd commercial acumen of our retiring CEO. We wish Ian a very healthy, happy and long retirement.”