Knight Frank bolsters super prime lettings team
Knight Frank has appointed Francesca Levy to its super-prime lettings team covering South West London and the Home Counties.
Levy joins the team after more than 15 years with the agency, most recently overseeing lettings operations across Wandsworth, Fulham and Dulwich.
In her new role, she will work alongside the South West and Home Counties super-prime team, focusing on the rental market for properties achieving more than £15,000 per month and advising private clients across the region.
The appointment follows a period of growth in Knight Frank’s super-prime lettings business, with the team reporting increases in both transaction volumes and revenue during the 2025/26 financial year.
Jamie-Leigh Harvey, head of super prime lettings for South West London & Home Counties at Knight Frank, commented: “Francesca has been an outstanding leader across three of our South West London markets, and I am confident she will bring the same drive and expertise to her new role.
“Following a period of significant growth for the team, her appointment positions us strongly to build on this momentum and continue delivering exceptional results and service for our clients.”
Levy commented: “This marks an incredibly exciting next step in my career. Every stage of my journey with Knight Frank- from my time in the Corporate Department to leading teams- has prepared me for this opportunity, and I am thrilled to be joining such a successful team.”
LMS announces CEO departure
LMS has announced the departure of chief executive Nick Chadbourne after almost a decade leading the conveyancing services and technology business.
Chadbourne, who has served as CEO since 2016, is stepping down after overseeing a period of expansion that saw LMS strengthen its position in the conveyancing market and increase its focus on technology-led solutions for lenders, conveyancers and consumers.
The company said chief operating officer Ian Robinson, a longstanding member of the senior leadership team with more than 20 years at LMS, will take over as interim CEO while a search for a permanent successor is carried out.
Chadbourne said: “Looking back over the past ten years, I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve built at LMS. We have continuously strengthened and expanded what LMS does, while investing in the broader capabilities needed to make the home-moving experience better for everyone – and I believe that work is now genuinely beginning to change the industry.
“What I am most proud of is the team. The success of LMS has always been driven by the talent, commitment and collaboration across the business, and I have every confidence in Ian and the wider leadership team to continue that momentum. We have built strong foundations, and I firmly believe the business is in an excellent position for the future.
“After ten years, this feels like the right moment for me personally, and for LMS, for someone else to take the business forward and drive it to the next level. I leave knowing the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Robinson commented: “Nick has made a significant contribution to LMS, and we thank him for his leadership.
“We have a talented and dedicated team at LMS. The senior leadership team and I will work closely together to provide continuity across the business and as we continue delivering great outcomes for our partners and clients. We will also work closely with our shareholders to support a smooth and seamless transition.
“Our strategic priorities remain unchanged. We continue to make strong progress with Panel Link, Remortgage, Select, and Confirmly, which are all designed to make the home-buying and selling journey more secure and faster. NPTN, the National Property Transaction Network, is delivering a step-change in how property transactions are conducted in the UK across all stakeholders.
“LMS remains well positioned for continued growth, and the business is confident in its ability to build on the strong foundations established over the past several years.”
Directorate change at Taylor Wimpey
Taylor Wimpey has announced that Clodagh Moriarty, independent non-executive director, intends to step down from the board.
Moriarty said she is leaving the housebuilder to focus on her role as chief executive of Dunelm Group plc.
Clodagh’s leaving date will be announced in due course, according to Taylow Wimpey, with the search process for her replacement now underway.
Robert Noel, chair, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Clodagh for her valued contributions and commitment to the Company during her tenure and we wish her well for the future.”
