Purplebricks has just announced the appointment of Adrian Gill and Gareth Helm, two highly experienced property industry executives, to its board as independent non-executive directors. They will both join the board with effect from 1 October 2022.

Gill has 20 years’ experience as a property executive including as finance director and group commercial director of Connells, executive director, estate agency at LSL Property Services PLC, and Group CEO of Leaders Romans Group.

Gareth Helm has over 30 years’ marketing expertise, largely as a chief marketing officer in high-profile, consumer-facing businesses including Zoopla, McDonald’s, Moneysupermarket, Mars and Homeserve.

Adrian Blair will step down as a non-executive director on 1 October 2022 following four years as a member of Purplebricks’ Board.

Commenting on the changes to the board, Paul Pindar, chairman, said: “I would like to welcome Adrian and Gareth to our Board. Both have achieved considerable success in their respective fields and I am looking forward to working alongside them. I would like to thank Adrian Blair for his contribution over the last four years and wish him well as he pursues other non-executive opportunities.”

Helena Marston, Purplebricks’ chief executive, added: “I am absolutely delighted that Adrian and Gareth are joining our Board. Since becoming chief executive in April, my priority has been to put in place the strongest possible executive leadership team (“ELT”) that combines the right capabilities, experience and mindset I believe we need to succeed in delivering our turnaround plans.

“The subsequent appointment of Adrian and Gareth to our Board is complementary to our ELT, providing additional industry and marketing expertise which will be invaluable to me and our Board, as well as providing positive challenge for the ELT.”

Gill said: “There is no question that Purplebricks’ proposition is relevant and differentiated, and that it can return to being a profitable disruptor. Helena has put in place a clear and focused plan alongside a team which is clearly working at pace to deliver it. I am looking forward to working with the Board and the ELT to bring my expertise to the table and help ensure the business delivers for its customers, its people and its shareholders.”

Helm commented: “I am incredibly excited to be joining Purplebricks as a non-executive director.  I am confident the Group has a valuable brand which is certainly relevant in today’s market. I look forward to contributing to the discussion in the Boardroom and as a source of support and advice for the ELT.”

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