JLL UK chief executive Stephanie Hyde to depart
JLL UK chief executive Stephanie Hyde will leave the business at the end of this month, staff were informed via email on Friday.
Matt Richards will replace Hyde as leader of the UK operation, while retaining his responsibilities as chief executive of capital markets for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Hyde, who joined JLL in 2021 from PwC, is said to be leaving to pursue other opportunities. In 2023 she expanded her role to be CEO, Markets Advisory, EMEA alongside her UK CEO role.
Richards joined JLL in 1998 after completing his master’s degree in land management. He worked his way across capital markets before being promoted to lead the whole business in 2017. He also has oversight of JLL in the Nordics and Switzerland and its EMEA valuations function.
Savills strengthens East of England development team
Savills has added to the development team in its Norwich office with the appointment of experienced director Max Barnes.
Barnes has worked in the property industry for 20 years – most recently at land and property investment specialists Albanwise Wallace Estates where he was managing director of its property division.
In his new role he will specialise in the acquisition and sale of development land opportunities and provide development consultancy advice across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Barnes said: “Savills has an excellent reputation and a strong track record for having great people and a collaborative culture. I’m looking forward to using my experience to help drive future growth and provide the best advice possible to existing and new clients.
“Since the turn of the year – notwithstanding more recent economic concerns – greater stability has returned to the strategic land market, with overall sentiment remaining positive and the number of bids per site slowly increasing.
“Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the wider government impetus to boost housebuilding mean we expect to see more sites come to market as the year progresses, with more planning applications also coming through.
“For the time being however the shortfall in land supply remains a fundamental challenge and is driving strong competition, particularly for ‘oven ready’ sites close to existing infrastructure and where planning permission is already in place.
“In some areas we may see more land come onto the market quite quickly, but generally this supply is increasing from a very low base so is unlikely to have a considerable impact on development land values in the short to medium term.”
Ciara Arundel, who leads the development team at Savills in Norwich, added: “He fits our dynamic perfectly and has a comprehensive knowledge of Norfolk and the wider region – bringing a great deal of experience that will be to the benefit of clients and team members alike,” she said.
“His appointment signals our continued commitment to strengthening and growing our team in response to market forces and ensuring we provide our clients with the very best service and advice.
Mark Hook joins ASG
Alto Software Group (ASG) has appointed Mark Hook as its new head of brand & PR.
Hook’s arrival follows the recent shake-up that saw Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson named CEO, Derek O’Carroll as Executive Chair, and Nick Shaw as CRO.
Hook’s 15-year career spans top-tier agencies, consumer brands, and fast-scaling tech firms.
“Alto’s got the tech, the people, and the vision. Now it’s time to shout louder about it,” said Hook. “We’re here to champion agents and reassert Alto’s position in the market. I can’t wait to get started.”
Hook will lead PR, brand strategy and corporate communications, helping Alto strengthen its voice — and its support for the 7,000-plus agents already using the platform.
“Mark knows how to cut through the noise — he’ll help us tell the story of a new chapter at Alto, where we’ve got the team to scale, we’re doubling down on customer-centric innovation that truly supports agents, and we’re ensuring the market hears it loud and clear,” said CEO Iannucci-Dawson.
Comings & Goings
