Fine & Fine & Country announces interim leadership change
Fine & Country has announced a temporary leadership position as managing director, Nicky Stevenson, prepares to go on maternity leave.
During this period, Jonathan Handford, a long-standing Fine & Country representative, will step in as interim managing director.
Stevenson has been a pivotal figure in the estate agency’s growth and success since she assumed the role of MD in 2020. Her leadership has helped Fine & Country strengthen its market position and build a reputation for excellence across the upper quartile of the market, which has been recognised as the most recommended estate agency brand in the UK for the second year running.
Reflecting on the interim change, Stevenson said: “I am thrilled to be entering this special time in my life, and I’m confident that Jon Handford and the rest of the senior management team will continue to guide and grow the network with skill and vision.
“Having worked together for nearly five years, I know Jon brings the experience, energy, and dedication that will keep the business on its upward trajectory. His in-depth experience as a Fine & Country agent will be invaluable in supporting our increasing number of Associates and Licensees in the network.”
Handford has been a Fine & Country licensee for over 20 years and is the MD of Fine & Country Leamington Spa.
In 2019, Handford was recognised as the Best Overall Operator from over 300 Fine & Country locations across the world, winning the same accolade in 2023, along with Outstanding Contribution to Fine & Country.
As interim MD, Handford will be supported by Emilie Despois, chief marketing officer, Phillipa Legg, chief operating officer and the rest of the experienced business development team.
Handford said: “It’s an honour to step into this role and I look forward to working with the senior management and head office team to ensure continuity of growth and maintaining the high standards our clients expect.”
Sherry FitzGerald CEO Steven McKenna to leave estate agency
Steven McKenna has announced his decision to step down as chief executive of Sherry FitzGerald Group, Ireland’s biggest estate agent, at the end of next February 2025. He has been at the helm for nearly eight years and been with the company since 2008, having previously held the role of chief financial officer.
Staff at Sherry FitzGerald, which earlier this year moved into the Northern Irish estate agency market for the first time following the purchase of Simon Brien Residential, were informed of his decision on Monday.
In a statement, McKenna, who is 47, said he wanted to “explore new opportunities” in his career. No replacement has yet been chosen for the role.
McKenna said, “It has been an incredible privilege to lead Sherry FitzGerald and to work alongside such a talented and passionate team. Having accomplished the goals we set out for the business, and with the group in such a strong position, I feel now is the right time for me to explore new opportunities.”
McKenna will continue as chief executive until the end of February 2025 to assist in the transition for the business.
Law firm expands property team
London and Kent law firm Thackray Williams has announced four new real estate hires as it looks to expand in residential and commercial property offerings further.
Liz Hutton joins the residential conveyancing team as a senior associate, operating out of the London office.
Andrew Harborne, Nicki Rundle and Susan Collins have joined the commercial property department.
“We’ve traditionally had a very strong residential property reputation in South East London,” said Vikki Herbert, head of real estate. “The expansion of our property team supports our strategic plans of growing our Sevenoaks and Kent reach, building a stronger land development team, bolstering our construction law expertise and expanding our residential property services in London.”
Comings & Goings
