One of Countrywide’s high-profile departures of last year, Alex Bailes, has joined competitor Connells.

Bailes was chief digital officer at Countrywide and a major speaker at a Proptech conference in London in October.

His departure was announced just days later. He was said to be stepping down to pursue other opportunities. He left at the end of January.

Yesterday, Connells announced that Bailes had joined its group as head of digital, a newly created role in which he will develop digital strategy and lead the group’s activities as it continues to increase investment in this area.

Connells also announced that it had promoted Anthony Glasgow from within its own ranks.

Glasgow becomes group chief information officer, having previously been group IT director.

Connells is the first of the chains to show its hand regarding an online strategy, having recently bought hatched.

Connells, together with Countrywide and Zoopla, has also invested in Fixflo, the highly successful proptech company which offers online repairs reporting system.