David Plumtree, group chief executive, estate agency, of Connells Group celebrates a milestone 35 years with the business this week.

He joined the company in 1988 starting his career in one of the Group’s estate agency branches in East Anglia.

Plumtree rose through the ranks, achieving huge success at branch, area and divisional level before becoming the Chief Executive of Sequence in 2006 and then taking overall responsibility for the whole of Connells Group’s branch network as Group Estate Agency Chief Executive in 2013.

Plumtree said: “When I started in this business at the tender age of 19 I soon realised that I’d made a fantastic decision. Being a fiercely competitive person I thrived in an environment which provided recognition, reward and progression to those who delivered first class results and displayed the right attitude and behaviours. A true meritocracy with best in class training and development support to enable everyone to grow their careers and be the best version of themselves.

“That’s what got the best out of me all of those years ago and 35 years later I aim to maintain that environment and culture for all who work within our branch network.”

During that time Connells Group has become the market leader in the UK housing market with circa 10% share of the sales market as well as having the largest share of the intermediary mortgage market and the largest lettings business in the UK. David and his management team have overseen huge growth in the business.

Plumtree added: “We have collectively achieved so much over the years and remain ambitious for more.  I’m immensely proud of our achievements to date and hugely appreciative for the support I receive from all of my colleagues”