LRG strengthens lettings leadership
LRG has made a series of senior leadership changes within its lettings division as it focuses on performance and growth in 2026.
The updates follow the rollout of a single CRM platform across the business and are intended to improve coordination between teams and day-to-day operations.
Allison Thompson has taken on the role of chief lettings officer, with overall responsibility for the division and a focus on processes and adapting to upcoming regulation, including the Renters’ Rights Act.
Richard O’Neill has been promoted to national lettings managing director, where he will focus on new business activity across the division.
Sophie Durkin becomes managing director for LRG’s Central region, taking over O’Neill’s previous role and overseeing performance across brands including Romans, Moginie James, Gibbs Gillespie and Portico.
The changes are accompanied by internal adjustments aimed at streamlining processes and improving collaboration across the division.
Thompson commented: “Taking on the role of chief lettings officer is a reflection of the progress we’ve made as a division over the past year. Importantly, the additional support in the structure gives me the opportunity to focus more closely on how we operate as a whole, from our processes and systems through to the consistency of the service we deliver. As we move towards the Renters’ Rights Act, that clarity and alignment will be critical.
“We have a strong platform in place, and this next phase is about building on that, supporting our teams and making sure we are set up to deliver sustainable growth over the long term.”
O’Neill said: “For me, it’s about working closely with our regional teams and branches to turn that momentum into consistent new business growth, while continuing to strengthen the relationships we have with landlords across the network. We have the scale and capability to do this well, and I’m looking forward to leading that next phase.”
Durkin added: “My focus is on supporting our branches, developing our people and making sure we continue to deliver strong, consistent results across the region. There’s already a solid foundation in place, and I’m looking forward to building on that and contributing to the wider success of the division.”
Allsop appoints Chris Brady to lead new planning department
Chris Brady has been appointed partner and head of planning at Allsop, taking the lead on the firm’s newly launched planning department. The move expands Allsop’s integrated professional services and development advisory capabilities.
Brady joins from Savills, where he specialised in mixed-use urban regeneration across residential, tourism, employment, retail, leisure, energy, healthcare and community sectors, and brings experience negotiating development contributions for both local authorities and developers.
The department will offer strategic planning advice across the full development lifecycle, helping investors, developers and landowners maximise the potential of their assets. Two further hires are expected in the coming months as part of Allsop’s plan to grow the team and attract top-level talent.
Brady said: “The launch of Allsop’s planning team reflects the growing demand for commercially focused, integrated planning expertise within an increasingly complex policy environment. The opportunity to join a firm with over 120 years of heritage, known for its commitment to excellence and its ability to evolve with clients’ needs, is incredibly exciting. Working alongside some of the best in the industry, we look forward to creating even greater value for our clients.”
Andrew Boyd, senior partner at Allsop, commented: “Following on from record revenue last year, we are pressing on with our strategy of growth in complementary business areas. Planning is fundamental to maximising the potential of land and property. By establishing a dedicated planning department, we are enhancing our ability to support clients with clear, strategic advice that is aligned with their wider investment and development goals. This is a natural evolution of our professional services offer and reflects the increasingly complex planning landscape our clients are operating within.”
Michael Wiseman appointed to British Land’s executive committee
British Land has appointed Michael Wiseman, head of campuses, to its executive committee.
Since joining the company from ING Real Estate Development in 2011, Wiseman has held a number of senior positions spanning office leasing, asset management and development.
He has played a central role in shaping British Land’s campus strategy, including the transformation of Broadgate into a leading mixed-use destination and the expansion into the science and technology sector, with Regent’s Place emerging as a hub for innovative businesses.
Wiseman has also led the company’s office leasing efforts, securing major agreements with a diverse range of organisations.
Simon Carter, chief executive of British Land, said: “Mike’s deep market knowledge and strong customer relationships have been central to British Land’s sustained leasing success and the performance of our London campuses over the past decade. His experience and commercial approach will be invaluable to our executive committee in shaping our customer strategy and driving operational performance.”
