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Felicity J Lord names new estate agency director

Spicerhaart has appointed Graham Lawes as its new estate agency director at London brand Felicity J Lord, marking a full-circle return to the business where he began his leadership journey more than 20 years ago – and met his wife.

Lawes rejoins Felicity J Lord after more than two decades in senior leadership roles, most recently holding a senior directorship at global property consultancy JLL.

Having originally joined Spicerhaart in the mid-1990s, Lawes led the Blackheath Standard branch. He spent 10 years with company before moving on.

Lawes said: “This genuinely feels like coming home. I had a hugely successful and enjoyable time here in the early part of my career and I’m proud of what we achieved.

“When the opportunity came up to return, it felt like the right moment. I’ve gained significant experience operating at scale within a major corporate environment, but I missed being out in branches, on the shop floor, talking to people. Now I want to bring all the knowledge I’ve gained back into a brand I know inside out.

“London is my wheelhouse. I was born and bred in Blackheath and have spent my entire career working in this market. I understand the clients, the communities and what it takes to win.”

His focus at Felicity J Lord will be to strengthen branch performance, rebuild market share in key locations and reignite the brand’s profile across London’s high streets.

He added: “My priority is simple. It’s about standards – doing the basics exceptionally well, consistently, is what separates good businesses and great ones.

“We have brilliant locations, strong heritage, hands-on leadership and staff who are loyal to the brand. My role is to harness that, rebuild momentum and create an environment where teams can thrive and grow.”

The appointment carries personal significance for Lewes. He met his wife while working at Felicity J Lord during his first tenure with the company – a chapter he describes as formative both professionally and personally.

He said: “Felicity J Lord was where so much of my journey began. I built lifelong friendships here, developed my leadership style and experienced some of the proudest moments of my early career. To return at this stage of my life and career is incredibly special.”

Antony Lark, Joint Group CEO of Spicerhaart, commented: “Graham is a significant hire for our London business. His track record in building high-performing teams and delivering strong commercial results speaks for itself.

“What makes this appointment particularly powerful is that he already understands our culture, our heritage and the London market at a deep level. He brings a rare blend of external perspective from a global consultancy, and a personal connection to the brand.”

Chestertons appoints new Wandsworth sales director

Chestertons has appointed Nick Darragh as sales director to lead its Wandsworth Common sales office.

Darragh brings more than nine years of experience across the South West London property market.

Having lived in Wandsworth Common since moving from Dublin in 2012, Darragh offers not only professional expertise but genuine local insight.

Darragh commented: “With the backing of Chestertons’ exceptional brand, reputation and industry-leading systems, we’re in a fantastic position to deliver outstanding service to local homeowners. Having lived in the area since 2012, I find it especially rewarding to be working within a community that has become home.’’

Homes England strengthens leadership team with senior appointments

Homes England has announced two new executive leadership appointments.

Alison Crofton, currently chief property officer, has been appointed Chief Regional Delivery Officer. In this role, she will lead delivery across the agency’s five regions, alongside the National Technical Capacity and Coordination Hub.

Paul Murphy, currently deputy chief risk officer, has been promoted to chief risk officer and will continue to lead the agency’s risk directorate.

Both will start their new roles on 1 March. The appointment of a new chief financial officer will also be made before 1 April.

Amy Rees, chief executive of Homes England, said: “By confirming our new executive leadership team, we are laying strong foundations to support colleagues across the agency as we transition to our new regional structure. This ensures we are ready to deliver for our partners and, most importantly, for the communities we serve. These appointments give us the leadership capacity, experience and clear focus needed for the year ahead.”

Pat Ritchie, chair of Homes England, added: “These appointments bring further substantial expertise and proven leadership, reflecting the calibre of talent within the Agency. The Board is encouraged by the continued strengthening of our executive team, and these roles will be important in ensuring we can move at pace and operate at the scale required. They will enable us to work more effectively with places and partners and strengthen how we manage risk, ensuring we maintain momentum as we accelerate our work on housing and regeneration across the country.”

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