Naomi Hazell appointed as Country House lettings manager at John D Wood & Co.
John D Wood & Co. has announced the appointment of Naomi Hazell as Country House lettings manager, covering the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire region. She joins with immediate effect, bringing more than a decade of experience in residential lettings across the Oxfordshire market.
Hazell Naomi gained her first insight into the luxury country homes market at Savills, where she worked as a lettings negotiator in the Summertown Office, covering Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds. She later joined Penny & Sinclair, where she spent nearly four years progressing from senior negotiator to lettings manager.
Most recently, Hazzell worked at Carter Jonas in Oxford, focusing on the mid-market and build-to-rent sector, managing a range of client portfolios with a strong presence in the Oxford area.
Hazell commented: “Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds have a wealth of exceptional properties, and I’m excited to build our brand presence here, work closely with the local community, and contribute to the wider growth of our country lettings network.”
Joanna Wilson, regional director at John D Wood & Co., added: “Naomi is a fantastic addition to our team and brings with her the local insight, energy, and ambition we were looking for. She’s the missing piece of the puzzle as we continue to strengthen our offering across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”
New head of Development for Savills Cambridge
Savills has appointed director Abigail Jones to lead the development team in its Cambridge office.
Jones – RICS Young Surveyor of the Year (Land & Urban) in 2021 – joined Savills in 2013.
Alongside continuing to provide advice and consultancy for the sale and marketing of residential development land, she will be responsible for leading the development team and identifying opportunities for future growth.
A registered valuer, Jones works with a range of clients including private landowners, promoters and corporate institutions. She also specialises in the Community Infrastructure Levy, strategic land and the education sector.
Jones, who recently returned from maternity leave, said: “I’m very grateful to my brilliant team for looking after my clients and projects while I’ve been away, and to Savills for their support over the past 12 months. It’s safe to say my experience in negotiation, service and patience has undoubtedly grown!
“I’m delighted to be taking this next step in my career. There continues to be a focus from central government on the growth potential of Cambridge and the wider East of England – making it a very interesting time for the residential development sector with seemingly plenty of opportunity for future housing delivery and infrastructure investment.
“Our team is extremely active in the market and we are increasingly involved in identifying and advising on innovative delivery solutions for residential and mixed-use schemes. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can continue to grow and develop our service in line with clients’ needs and expectations.”
Tom Fraser, head of office at Savills Cambridge, added: “Having worked with Abigail for a number of years I know the department is in superb hands. She consistently delivers exceptional results and provides sound advice to the benefit of clients and work colleagues alike. Her hard work and dedication makes this appointment very well deserved.”
Dandara appoints Jackie Coulthard as chief financial officer
Dandara has appointed Jackie Coulthard as chief financial officer (CFO) for its housebuilding division.
Coulthard joins the independent housebuilder with more than three decades of experience. She spent over 16 years at Taylor Wimpey and more recently – she also worked for 14 months at Crest Nicholson as finance director for one of their divisions.
At Taylor Wimpey, she held a number of senior positions, including finance director, acting managing director and managing director for the North Yorkshire region.
In her new role at Dandara, Coulthard will oversee the financial performance and strategic direction of the national housebuilding business. This includes supporting regional growth targets, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring financial resilience as the company navigates a fast-changing landscape.
Based from Dandara’s Milton Keynes office, Coulthard is already embedded in the senior leadership team and actively shaping long-term strategy as part of the housebuilding board.
Coulthard said: “I’m proud of the path I’ve taken – starting on a youth training scheme in the early ’90s to eventually leading multimillion-pound housing operations. My journey’s never been textbook, but I’ve always believed that with the right mindset, finance can be a force for clarity and positive change. Dandara has the dynamism and ambition which is what drew me to the business and role. Being part of the board allows me to help steer that narrative in a meaningful way.”
Trevor Dempsey, CEO at Dandara, added: “Jackie brings a rare hybrid of sharp financial intellect and real-world operational leadership. She doesn’t just read a balance sheet – she reads the business. Her time as an MD gives her a unique perspective that will help drive Dandara’s strategic decision-making forward with confidence and clarity and we’re thrilled to welcome her.”
Comings & Goings
