A former regional manager with Countrywide brand Gascoigne Pees has been appointed to a senior role at independent southern firm Henry Adams.

Gareth Overton was regional manager at Gascoigne Pees, responsible for sales in south-west London and Surrey, and spent some seven years with the firm.

Previously he has also held senior positions at Arun Estates, having worked his way up in estate agency from trainee negotiator after leaving school.

Overton has now been appointed to a newly created position as head of residential sales at Henry Adams, where he will be overseeing sales branches across West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Operating from the Billingshurst office of Henry Adams, Overton will take a hands-on role.

Philip Jordan, chief executive of Henry Adams, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gareth to Henry Adams. He has proven experience in maximising sales performance across diverse marketplaces and has a strong focus on customer care which accords completely with our ethos.

“We believe this aspect of professional estate agency will become increasingly important in the somewhat unpredictable markets ahead.”

Overton said: “This is a great opportunity for me to build on the enviable reputation which Henry Adams has established. We’ll be continuing to work closely with our local communities while concentrating on our vendor care.”