Upstix announces new CEO
Fast-buying property company Upstix has announced the appointment of Fred Jones as its new CEO.
Former Uber executive, Jones, joined Upstix as COO in September 2023 to scale the business and further embed AI into its valuation and home-buying strategy.
Since then, enhancements to its service proposition, including the introduction of an AI-driven ‘Instant Cash Offer’ portal on its website, enabling sellers to complete in as little as seven days, have increased seller demand, according to Upstix.
The firm says it expects to handle over 100,000 enquiries by the end of 2024, a 12 times uplift compared to 2023.
Giles Mackay, founder of Upstix, said: “Fred has played a pivotal part in Upstix’ rapid growth trajectory, enhancing the experience we can offer to sellers and forging partnerships that will enable us to be self-funding from next year. I have every confidence that as CEO he’ll take the business from strength to strength in months and years to come.”
Jones commented: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for the business as we harness new technologies and explore innovate collaborations with peers across the home-selling sector. We have demonstrated that home sellers across the country value the speed, certainty and convenience which the Upstix solution offers.”
Jones joined Upstix from TIER, where he was vice president and regional general manager for Northern Europe. Operating e-scooters and e-bikes in 37 cities including London, Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki. Before that, as an early Uber employee he held a number of leadership roles including General Manager for the UK and Ireland executive director on the UK and Ireland board from August 2017.
Early in his career, Jones worked as a management consultant for 10 years in multiple roles including the UK Lead for Accenture’s corporate strategy and value analysis team supporting sales, strategic insight and client relationship development at priority clients.
Matt Sore joins Hockeys
Matt Sore has joined the senior team at Hockeys.
Sore, who has almost a decade of experience in the local property sector, recently managed alocal restauant, but decided to return to working in the estate agency sector after a short time away.
He said: “I have always admired the way Hockeys has successfully built an excellent reputation around the town of Newmarket, and I am excited to be a part of a team that truly values its customers and their journeys.”
The estate agency’s associate partner, Daniel Sumner, said: “By welcoming Matt into our work family, we are further ensuring that our customers receive the best possible advice and service as we continue to grow and thrive.
“At the risk of sounding a little cheesy, we love what we do and are proud of how the business is expanding. As Hockeys Estate Agent continues its journey, the company remains committed to enhancing its offerings and providing unmatched expertise to Newmarket and the surrounding areas.”
“Having a prime location in Newmarket High Street, we are right in the middle of the local community and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the growth of the team,” he added.
H&H Land & Estates promotes Jonathan Hird to associate director
H&H Land & Estates has announced the promotion of Jonathan Hird to the position of associate director.
Hird, who began his career with H&H Land & Estates as a placement student in 2015, will continue to primarily focus on the rural sector.
H&H Land & Estates says that Hird’s promotion is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting career development within the company.
Hird said: “I’m very happy; I’ve been here since my placement year in 2015, so I’m very much a part of the furniture now! H&H is a group that values its staff, but it’s also very much forward-thinking about their approach to the rural sector and providing excellent customer service, and I’m excited to be a part of that process. My day-to-day job won’t change massively, but I am looking forward very much to being more involved with supporting the team and helping those who are looking to progress their careers with us.”
Thomas Armstrong, director and chartered surveyor at H&H Land & Estates, commented: “Jonathan has been a key part of our success and his promotion to associate director is well deserved. He brings not only professional expertise but also a deep personal commitment to rural life and the challenges faced by our clients. He has been a great role model for everyone here and his insight and leadership will continue to be a tremendous asset to our team.
“I would also like to thank Jonathan personally for taking on responsibilities that have allowed me to undertake a wider role. His promotion is a perfect example of H&H Land & Estates growing its own, doing what we do best. I am sure that this is another small step for Jonathan in a career with us that will continue to grow and develop, and we are excited to see him help shape the future of H&H Land & Estates.”