Zoopla unveils new CEO
Zoopla has announced the appointment of Paul Whitehead as chief executive officer, alongside a number of changes to its leadership team, including the appointment of Sam Fletcher as chief finance officer.
Whitehead rejoins Zoopla having previously served as its chief strategy officer. Over the last three months, he has been working with the property website in an advisory capacity, embedding himself in the business to develop the company’s strategy and operating plan.
Whitehead brings a wealth of digital and marketplace experience to Zoopla. He was previously at Cazoo where he held roles as CEO and COO. Prior to this, and as well as his time at Zoopla (ZPG) until 2018, he was the commercial director of uSwitch, before it was sold to ZPG.
Whitehead said: “My focus is on building upon the clear competitive advantage that Zoopla has in delivering high-quality buyers and vendors to our customers. Our customer wins this year speak volumes about the results Zoopla consistently delivers, as well as exceptional value and access to a powerful audience of serious home movers.
“We have a long history of innovation in the property industry, which we’ll continue to build on as we further develop the leading platform for people looking to move home.”
Meanwhile, Zoopla has confirmed the appointment of Sam Fletcher as chief finance officer. She has worked in the Houseful family of brands for over four years, but will now focus solely on Zoopla.
“I am also pleased to welcome Sam Fletcher to Zoopla,” Whitehead added. She is already very familiar with our business and I look forward to us working closely together. I am privileged to be leading an exceptional and dynamic team and I am hugely excited for what we will achieve together.”
Rich Hayes, chief operating officer, will continue to lead the day-to-day operations of the business; meanwhile, Alex Rose has been appointed as commercial director and will lead a dedicated Zoopla commercial team.
Sam Hubbard joins Oakheart Property as operations director
Oakheart Property has announced the appointment of Sam Hubbard as operations director, further strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues to expand.
With a career in the property industry since 2006, Hubbard brings plenty of experience in operational management and strategic development.
For the past ten years, Sam has served as group project director for the Beresfords Group.
She also previously worked as an assistant operations manager at cmRENT and Spicerhaart.
In her new role as operations director, Hubbard will oversee and manage all CRM systems, acquisitions, software development, financial planning, team management and branch operation.
Hubbard said: “I look forward to working closely with the founders to enhance operational efficiencies, develop innovative solutions, and support the business in achieving its ambitious growth plans.”
Property Sense appoints two senior hires
Sense, a PropTech partner for BTR operators, leasing agents and developers, has made two senior appointments.
Simon Dicanio joins from Gleeson Homes and will take up the role of head of sales, while Annabel Yates joins as marketing manager from HBD.
Property Sense is also in the process of hiring a chief technology officer, business development specialists, and non-executive directors for its board.
The aim is to double its headcount, taking the team from 14 to 25 members by the end of 2025.
Mike Haywood, CEO of Property Sense, said: “We are on a mission to revolutionise leasing in the BTR sector. With our industry-first, tech-driven solutions, we’re helping developers, agents and BTR operators to occupy their buildings quickly with pre-approved, quality tenants.
“I’m excited to watch as Simon and Annabel’s expertise and tailored skill set accelerates our proven success in the BTR market. Simon’s extensive experience in building relationships across build, technical and commercial teams will play a key role in helping
to cement our reputation in this growing market, while Annabel’s passion for innovative and creative ideas will help us to take our brand to new heights.”
Dicanio commented: “Property Sense is redefining the industry with its innovative forward-thinking approach, and I’m delighted to be joining the team at such a pivotal time in their growth journey.
“Speaking as a company that is right at the centre of the rapidly evolving BTR sector, I’m looking forward to leading the sales team and delivering on this next phase of our evolution.”
