Connells welcomes new divisional MD, Adrian Pitt
Connells has announced the appointment of Adrian Pitt as Connells Midlands divisional managing director.
Pitt’s experience in estate agency spans almost 30 years, starting out as a negotiator at Countrywide in 1993. He transfers internally from Countrywide, where he was regional director for the Midlands region.
He replaces Elizabeth Brown following her retirement at the end of 2022, after an impressive 42 year spell with the company.
Pitt’s objectives are to build on the existing foundations of the business’ offering and further develop Connells’ offering to sellers and landlords, and work closely with the area management, as well as specialist new homes teams to offer customers and industry partners the very best products and services.
Pitt said: “With most estate agency businesses, the core day-to-day jobs stay the same, customers are always at the forefront of your mind, and you are always thinking about how you can improve, but my priority is always my people.
“I’ve had the privilege to work with a range of brilliant people over the past 29 years, building so many long-standing relationships, and I am looking forward to making many more within the extensive Connells network.”
Giles Hart, Connells group national operations director, commented: “Adrian’s vast expertise and knowledge of our Group will be invaluable for our Connells Midlands region. He has demonstrated impressive leadership as a Regional Director in Countrywide and I look forward to seeing him take Connells Midlands forward this year.
“I would also like to thank Elizabeth Brown for her amazing 42-year service with Connells. Liz’s legacy with the company will live on and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Liz McLean joins The Country House Departmentas a director
The Country House Department (TCHD), a specialist country house estate agency set up in 2020, has appointed Liz McLean as a director who will be covering Wiltshire, South Oxfordshire, West Berkshire and North Hampshire.
Amassing over 25 years of experience at various agencies in the Wessex Area, McLean has plenty of experience of selling prime country homes, latterly taking on the role of head of residential for Savills in Newbury.
McLean said: “Demand continues to outstrip supply in the country house market, with this, attention to detail on presentation, service and delivery is mission critical to selling our homes and getting the best deal – which is why it’s great to join The Country House Department who place a huge emphasis on this from day one. There are some superb homes ready and waiting to come on the market, and I look forward to working with our clients on their next chapter.”
Andrew Russell, co-founder of TCHD, commented: “We wanted to disrupt the prime country house market, and we have done that. We are tenacious with detail and service, as we know that moving isn’t simple. We’re delighted to be expanding our team further with the appointment of Liz, who is a superb addition with new skills, experience and someone in tune with our values as a business. Liz will be working closely alongside Nick Loweth [formerly Knight Frank office head, Hungerford] and together we believe they are the strongest team in the area.”
Barratt appoints Caroline Silver as next chair
Barratt Developments has appointed investment banking veteran Caroline Silver as a non-executive director and chair designate.
Silver, who will join the company on 1 June, will succeed John Allan, who will retire on 6 September after nine years in the role.
Silver is currently chair of PZ Cussons PLC, a position that she will step down from on 31 March 2023. She is also a NED of Tesco PLC, BUPA and Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.
Allan commented: “Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board across a number of commercial, financial, investment banking, governance and board leadership roles. I am very pleased to be handing over to someone of Caroline’s standing and experience. I am certain that she will make a significant contribution to the future business and strategy of Barratt.”
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