NRLA announces key appointments 

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has announced a range of new appointments designed to enhance the service to its members as the sector prepares for radical changes.

James Kent, managing director of the property compliance management platform Safe2, which was purchased by the NRLA last year, has been appointed as chief innovation officer. He will have responsibility not just for Safe2 but will oversee the NRLA’s property management service, Portfolio, as well as all training and accreditation provided by the Association.

In addition, Philip Cox becomes the NRLA’s new deputy chief executive. Having previously been the organisation’s Finance Director, he will continue to oversee all aspects of the Association’s finances and commercial partnerships, ensuring robust corporate governance arrangements are in place as the NRLA grows.

The appointments come in a year that will see the Renters (Reform) Bill significantly changing the way the private rented sector works, and the potential for a change of government at the election later this year.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “I am delighted to welcome James and Philip to their new roles.

“As we enter into the new year, the NRLA’s priority remains ensuring our members have all the support they need to navigate and make a success of changes to the way the sector works.

“In their new roles James and Philip will continue to ensure the NRLA is providing first class services to our members. They will make sure we make best use of innovative new products that make renting easier, and ensure we have the right partnerships in place to secure a thriving rental market.”

United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty hires former Knight Frank and Savills executives

United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed two new consultant senior directors of sales.

Katya Zenkovich, who has two decades of experience in the industry, joins the firm from Knight Frank, while Tereza Kandelaki has been appointed after spending 11 years working at Savills, where she was associate director of the London-based head office.

George Azar, chairman and chief executive of UK Sotheby’s International Realty, commented: “UK Sotheby’s International Realty is attracting some of the most successful agents in the business, which is further exemplified by Katya and Tereza’s decision to join the team.

“2023 marked a milestone for UK Sotheby’s International Realty, with the acquisition of new offices along with other exciting team additions, and we are certain our success will continue to reach new heights in 2024.”

Andrew Cronan joins Recoco Property Search

Buying agency Recoco Property Search has appointed former director of Strutt & Parker’s Country House department, Andrew Cronan, to strengthen its team and provide buyers who are looking to purchase a property in Bath, the wider Somerset area, Wiltshire or The Cotswolds with unrivalled market knowledge.

Having started his career in the property sector in the early 1990s, Cronan initially joined the Bath branch of Savills where he became head of the Department in 2000 before being made director in 2006. He then joined Strutt & Parker’s Country House department in 2017 where he was responsible for selling prestigious properties in the South West of England, including Combe Hay Manor estate which, at the time, sold for over £10m.

Cronan commented: “My career has always been Bath and South West-centric which has allowed me to really study the local property markets and establish valuable contacts in each area.

“Over the years, I frequently dealt with Recoco Property Search on behalf of clients and was impressed with their approach which then sparked my interest in becoming a buying agent myself.

“It feels like the obvious next step in order to provide my clients with a service that is much more bespoke and I’m absolutely delighted to be joining such a reputable buying agency.”