Days after spotting that long-standing Chestertons’ CEO Robert Bartlett no longer appears in the executive team line-up, and shortly after a social media post headed ‘Gone Skiing’ told us that Bartlett was in the Alps, the firm yesterday afternoon issued an official statement.

It reveals that Bartlett’s successor, Allan Collins, has taken over on an interim basis with immediate effect, and that Bartlett will be developing his business interests elsewhere.

The full statement says:

“After 11 years of leading the company, Chestertons’ CEO, Robert Bartlett, has stepped down from his role.

Since becoming CEO in 2006, Robert has overseen the impressive growth of the business and the brand, expanding the branch network from just 9 to over 60 branches internationally; established new processes and systems, and built and led an excellent team.

He is widely respected – both within and outside of the company – for his engaging style and knowledge of the industry.

Allan Collins, Group Financial Director, will take over as CEO on an interim basis with immediate effect. Having left Savills to join Chestertons in 2012, Allan has excellent knowledge of both the Chestertons business and the property industry, and will be supported by Chestertons’ well-established senior team.

Robert Bartlett comments: ‘I am fortunate to have worked with some superb colleagues at Chestertons and to have had the opportunity to build such a strong leadership team to secure the prosperity and future of the Chestertons business.

‘Chestertons is a superb brand and I very much look forward to watching the business expand and mature further in the years ahead and to now developing my business interests elsewhere.’

Allan Collins comments: ‘Over the years, Chestertons has built a strong brand, a very loyal client base and an experienced, knowledgeable team that consistently delivers an excellent range of services to homeowners, landlords, investors, developers, buyers and tenants. In a competitive and challenging market, it is these things that set us apart from other agents and allow us to grow our business year after year.

‘The whole Chestertons’ community, including the board and shareholders, thank Robert for his dedication and loyal service over the years and wish him the very best for the future.’”