Keller Williams has recruited its UK head of sales and lettings.

Tom Barry joins the franchising business which launched in the UK last September.

His new role will involve helping to develop and manage client relationships while selling and letting properties in the central London area.

Experienced US realtor Matt Fetick, of Keller Williams UK, said: “It is exciting to be building a team in London where we will work with a variety of local and international clients fulfilling all their property requirements.

“Having Tom on the team will be a real bonus. He is a very experienced, no-nonsense agent who understands the importance of exceptional customer service.

“He will also be a great mentor and motivator to other agents joining the team.”

Barry said: “Joining Keller Williams UK in the start-up phase offers me an unrivalled career opportunity.

“Matt, one of the most successful KW estate agents in the US, is an inspirational and successful businessman and I look forward to working with him as well as picking up a tip or two.”

Meanwhile, an upmarket firm of estate and letting agents, London Executive, is joining the Keller Williams franchise network, but will retain its own branding.

The deal will give London Executive access to the Keller Williams global network of agents and clients and to the IT systems.

London Executive has five dedicated international desks and uses multilingual property advertising.

It also manages the property portfolios of global investors and matches their properties with executive tenants looking to rent in areas such as Belgravia, Chelsea, Hyde Park, Mayfair, Marylebone and Knightsbridge.

At its Texas headquarters, Keller Williams claimed it is now the world’s largest estate agency franchise, with over 112,000 associates and 700-plus offices.

It made the announcement during its annual convention called Family Reunion which was attended by over 10,000 associates, with thousands more watching from the Keller Williams “market centres” around the world.