Leaders Romans Group appoints its first chief technology officer
Sophia Swain has joined Leaders Romans Group (LRG) as the company’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
The board-level appointment is recognition of LRG’s continued prioritisation of digital communication across all elements of the Group. It is a newly created role and not yet common across the property industry.
Swain’s most recent role was Head of Digital Delivery at professional services specialist LRQA and prior to that, LRQA’s parent company Lloyds Register. In this role she managed the transition of the IT strategy when LRQA was formed.
Having also worked for British Gas Centrica and a corporate law firm, she brings a wide range of experience across diverse sectors.
Swain, who will be based in LRG’s Wokingham head office, said: “LRG appealed to me because it spans the entire breadth of the property sector, from land sales and planning through to sales, lettings and specialist property advice. LRG’s positive acquisitions strategy and focus on growth means that the overarching IT strategy is constantly adapting as we integrate a variety of new business with different management structures and IT systems. Having worked in a number of different sectors previously, that challenge appeals to me.
“I was drawn to LRG specifically because it has the structural benefits of being one of the largest property services groups along with a commercial mindset and sense of momentum, but also retains the friendly culture of the smaller organisations that it grew from.”
At LRG, Swain will build on LRG’s technological offering to date, including its approach to landlord/tenant portals and administrative efficiencies. She will oversee several large projects which underpin the use of digital communications across the business’ various strands, using technology to increase efficiencies and provide an enhanced customer service.
Michael Cook, CEO of LRG, commented: “In appointing Sophia to this newly created role, LRG has taken a significant step forward in its approach to digital communications. Over the next year we’ll be making significant advances in our online services and it’s great to have the benefit of Sophia’s experience and insight in doing so.”
EweMove to launch in Kenilworth
A new EweMove estate agency service will be launched in Kenilworth this week.
EweMove Kenilworth will be having its website launch – www.ewemove.com/kenilworth – tomorrow, with the first valuation day being 7 May.
The estate agency business will be run by Matt Clinton, a resident of Kenilworth for over a decade, who has several years of estate agency experience.
He said: “I will be bringing a new type of agency to the town, giving a personalised service throughout the process from start to finish – no handing over to a colleague who has never been into the property to negotiate the deal.
“There’s a Happy Sale Guarantee – meaning no tie-in period and branch telephone number will be answered 24/7 to take bookings and offers.”
Greenslade Taylor Hunt appoints new residential manager
Greenslade Taylor Hunt has appointed a new residential manager at their Burnham-On-Sea branch.
Wayne Smith, who has worked in the estate agency sector for more than 30 years, started out as a negotiator in Bristol.
He said: “It [Burnham-On-Sea] has all the amenities of other seaside towns, but with less hustle and bustle and a real sense of community.”
Martyn Venner, partner who oversees the Burnham office, commented: “I am delighted to have Wayne join the GTH family, being local Wayne has come back to his roots and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Wayne is very well-respected within the industry and we are fortunate to have him on board.”
