Jon Cooke has quit his job as Group CEO of the Guild of Professional Agents and Fine & Country after just seven months.

Cooke, who founded Fine & Country, is staying on as a board director of GPEA, the parent company of both brands, and told EYE that he plans to stay closely involved with the business and brand development of the company.

Malcolm Lindley who stepped down as CEO last October when Cooke was appointed now steps back in to resume the role. Lindley, who had become chairman, is now succeeded by a new chairman Ian Anderson. Marcus Whewell remains as CEO of the Guild.

Before joining GPEA, Cooke – one of the best known names in the industry – was managing director of Your Move.

He told EYE: “GPEA is a fantastic business and the Guild in particular is a great brand for independents across the country. I have enjoyed working with the senior management team and am now looking forward to new challenges ahead.”