Countrywide has a new chairman who will replace Grenville Turner.

Turner was formerly chief executive, whose successes include steering Countrywide through the ravages of the recession, and returning it to the stock exchange after an absence of five years.

Turner will be replaced in April by Peter Long.

Long, who became chairman of Royal Mail last October, has also been a non-executive director at the RAC, and at Rentokil and Debenhams.

He said he was looking forward to working with Countrywide CEO Alison Platt.

He said: “The group has a clear focus on its customers as it executes its strategy and generates long-term sustainable shareholder value.”

Turner’s own departure from Countrywide comes after a string of others since Platt took up her role in the autumn of 2014.

She said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Grenville for his dedication and significant commitment to the development of Countrywide during his tenure. As chairman and previously as CEO, Grenville has been unwavering in his stewardship of Countrywide.

“Personally, he has been unstinting in his support and guidance for me and his counsel has been invaluable.

“I am pleased that Peter has accepted the role of chairman and would like to welcome him to Countrywide. I and the entire board look forward to working with him as Countrywide pursues its strategic objectives.”