Comings & Goings – London Wallet

Connells Group appoints Alexander Rawlinson as divisional MD for London

Connells Group has announced the appointment of Alexander Rawlinson as divisional managing director for its London division.

In his new role, Rawlinson will oversee Connells Group’s core brands across London, Essex and the Home Counties, including Bairstow Eves, Barnard Marcus, Gascoigne-Pees, Alan de Maid and Mann & Co.

Rawlinson brings more than 24 years of estate agency experience, with 22 years spent as managing director at ludlowthompson, followed most recently by his role as area director at Foxtons.

A graduate in economics from Newcastle University, Rawlinson also holds an executive MBA from Bayes Business School.

Auction House UK confirms new managing director

Oliver Prior has moved into a new leadership role as managing director of Auction House UK. He takes the reins from Jeremy Prior, who will remain on the group’s board of directors and assume the position of chairman.

Oliver Prior, a chartered surveyor, joined Auction House in 2021 as an auction valuer, rising to auctioneer and then national commercial director. He previously worked in mixed-use development consultancy and corporate commercial advisory at Savills and CBRE respectively.

In his new role, Auction House says he will build on his extensive auctioneering and business knowledge to steer the group’s future operations and strategic goals.

“Prior said: “Despite a challenging market, the group has gone from strength-to-strength, creating a solid foundation for me to lead the group on a continued growth trajectory.

“This year, we have a packed schedule of online, livestream and in-room auctions, offering buyers and sellers more opportunities than any other auction house to transact and meet their individual requirements. Having expanded our coverage to include Northern Ireland, we are the only auctioneer able to offer a localised service across the entirety of the UK. This unique proposition sets us apart from our competitors and positions us perfectly to respond to the changing auction landscape.

“I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months will bring.”

Weston Homes announces key senior appointments 

Weston Homes has announced three key senior appointments within its growing leadership teams; Steve Hatton, group development director at Weston Homes, has joined the Weston Homes Group Board, while Abbie Simpson has been promoted to land and partnerships director and Daniel Murray to planning and design director.

These promotions follow the recent launch of Weston Partnerships. This new strategy will encompass the wider living sector, including Build-to-Rent, affordable housing, student accommodation, Co Living and later living.

Steve Hatton’s promotion to the Weston Group Board marks the next chapter in a career that began with Weston Homes more than two decades ago. Hatton first joined Weston Homes in 2002 through its management trainee programme, with the company supporting his studies at London South Bank University.

Hatton said: “Weston Homes has been a huge part of my life and career, so joining the Group Board is a really special milestone. We have a number of landmark developments in progress that are truly building new communities and I look forward to working with our senior team as we continue to grow and evolve.”

The second key appointment sees Abbie Simpson promoted to land and partnerships director. She first joined the business in 2015 as a trainee land manager.

Simpson commented: “Having grown my career with Weston Homes over the past decade, it’s an honour to step into this new role. This is an exciting time for the business, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our partners to identify new opportunities and help deliver the next generation of high-quality developments that Weston Homes is known for.”

The third appointment sees Daniel Murray promoted to planning and design director, following more than seven years with Weston Homes. He joined the business in 2018 as a senior architect and has since progressed through a series of senior design roles, most recently serving as head of design.

Murray said: “Design is at the heart of everything we do at Weston Homes. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and lead our talented team as we continue to create thoughtfully designed homes and communities that people are proud to live in.”

Bob Weston, chairman and MD of Weston Homes, added: “Recognising and championing exceptional talent is vital to everything we do at Weston Homes. We always strive to support our team’s personal and professional development, and it is a source of considerable personal pride to see colleagues’ achievements and qualifications alongside their excellent work within the Group. These promotions reflect the strength of our people and come at a pivotal moment for the business.”

Comings & Goings