London estate agent Chestertons has appointed John Ennis as CEO from rival Foxtons where he was managing director for Central London and new homes.
He will replaces Guy Gittins who announced in May he would move from Chestertons to become boss of Foxtons.
Ennis is a veteran of the property and estate agency sector having joined Foxtons in 1999 as a sales negotiator, before progressing to his current position three years ago, where he manages 14 central London offices and 14 new homes and investment departments.
Salah Mussa, chairman of Chestertons, said: “John was the standout candidate to become Chestertons’ new CEO and we are delighted to have someone of his calibre joining the business. He is a proven leader who brings unrivalled sector experience and expertise drawn from his highly successful, 23-year career in property.”
Chestertons has strengthened its senior team in recent months, with Mark Goodeve-Docker appointed head of residential developments and Iain Bailey hired as director of property management - both recruited from Foxtons.
Richard Davies, Chestertons’ interim managing director and former head of lettings will become chief operating officer when Ennis officially joins the group at the beginning of November.
Ennis said: “It is a privilege to become CEO of Chestertons and to lead one of London’s oldest and most prominent estate agent brands. Chestertons is an outstanding business, which has continued to go from strength to strength and I am extremely excited by the significant opportunity ahead.”
Chestertons reported a record performance last year with total revenues rising 28%.