One of Countrywide’s most high profile figures and best known names, Marc Goldberg, has quit.
Goldberg has been head of sales at Hamptons International and with the firm for some 30 years.
No reason has been given for what is the latest in a string of departures as the upheaval at Countrywide continues.
Experienced, successful and respected, Goldberg’s name has been synonymous with that of Hamptons. It is thought he is yet to turn 50, as he started his career in estate agency at a young age.
He progressed through the ranks of Hamptons, becoming head of sales in 2007, responsible for the 89-branch network across London and the south.
Hamptons was acquired by Countrywide in June 2010, becoming its flagship brand.
Asked about Goldberg’s departure, Nick Hughes, managing director of Hamptons International, said at the weekend: “I am pleased to announce a restructure within Hamptons International’s sales division, intended to allow for an even greater focus on growing our business as we seek to widen the Hamptons brand across the UK.
“This new structure includes three region – London, Home Counties and Country – which will be led by three internally appointed head of sales roles.
“This structure, built around the three regions, will allow us to better co-ordinate and leverage opportunities and expertise across the entire Hamptons network and push forward on the back of the great momentum and market share gains we’ve seen in the last 12 months.
“In addition, we will be launching The Wealth Partnership, a new unit focused on driving growth in the super-prime market.
“These organisational changes herald a very exciting future for Hamptons International as we continue in our commitment to deliver on the key elements set out in Countrywide’s Building our Future strategy.”
Hughes added: “After just over 30 years with Hamptons International, Marc Goldberg – head of sales – has decided to leave the business.
“Marc has been outstanding in growing and steering the sales business during his many years with us, as well as providing an excellent overall leadership contribution to Hamptons as part of his role on the executive team.
“His wealth of experience and the unstinting support he has given to his colleagues, peers, customers and offices has resulted in some exceptional achievements through the years.
“We wish to take this opportunity to thank Marc for his enormous contribution to the business and wish him all the best in his future ventures.”
Hughes himself was appointed as managing director of Hamptons International in May this year, coming from a banking background.
Comments (7)
Those of us with the experience remember the manic 1980’s when the financial institutions bought estate agency offices left right and centre for stupid unsustainable figures. Those buyers did not understand agency and history teaches us a lot. History is repeating itself in some of these large institutions and the thinking understanding experienced agecy staff are now beginning to leave for pastures new. Non estate agency background owners of chains do not like being told what to do by their senior staff
The worst thing for agency are the portals; it makes many many of the younger staff lazy and totally reliant on portals selling properties; they do not know how to sell by putting buyer and seller together. How often do I as a buying agent contact an office about a property or to make an enquiry to be told ‘all the details are on our website!’
Unless staff are well trained, well versed in the understanding of properties ,the continious circular route of agents getting bigger and bigger and then disintergrating will continue. As always do the basics well and use new technology as an aid to the sales progress. Technology has been allowed to take over the inter personal skills so needed
I worked for Hamptons for a couple of years just as Marc became Head of Sales, although I was a very small cog in his machine I remember he treated me well and he had a real desire for estate agency.
He asked me what my figures were as a negotiator for that year and I told him to the penny – I remember him smiling and saying well done for knowing as most people did not know what business they had done and he always knew what his figures were too.
A great ambassador for estate agency and Hamptons.
Ah, happy days indeed TimmyG85. Of course ‘figures’ are for wimps. Today, it is all about the ‘Customer Journey’.
Excuse me while I retch into this handy bucket.
Me neither but I wish Marc well. I think I remember him from Hampstead branch along with Nick Underhill.
Yes it was a long time ago !!
Reminds me of the late 80’s when we were sold to GA (now Your Move) and they and other ‘financial institutions’ destroyed countless independents and got rid of a lot of experienced people who then opened up in competition to them. Unfortunately I was not senior enough to benefit from the payout that went with it!
From late 1900’s to mid/late 1980’s 60% of deals in Kent were done between local agents where one had the buyer and the other the seller. Come late 1980’s agency had reached a more perfect place than now. Agents were more efficient and systematic (in their own ways) pre the tinternet.
The corporates broke many good agent to agent working relationships as many old timers sadly retired. Better fees, better biz.
Agents now are too reliant on ticking boxes in software systems and relying on portals.
The WHICH article showing that only 4 in 10 properties sold via portals, highlights a space for old fashioned methods and skill sets to return away from just sticking listings on RM and Z.
‘After just over 30 years…’, ‘has been outstanding…’, ‘many years with us…’, ‘wealth of experience…’
Allow me to translate.
‘Knows far too much about estate agency and far too little about retail to be of any use to us ‘