The Board of Propertymark has asked Nathan Emerson to assume the role of interim CEO with immediate effect.
The organisation says that Emerson’s appointment will provide much needed stability for the professional body, its staff and its members.
Propertymark has been rocked by the recent resignation of CEO Tim Balcon after only four months, while NAEA president Kirsty Finney stepped down from her role earlier this month with no prior warning.
Emerson is a longstanding member of Propertymark with almost 20 years experience in the sector encompassing a number of disciplines including lettings, sales, commercial and auctioneering.
He is a former partner and director at Pygott & Crone, and most recently a consultant, having focused on supporting small and large agency owners with their growth strategies.
Emerson has been a Propertymark Board member since 2018 and is a facilitator and mentor of Propertymark Inspire, a development programme for small groups of independent agency leaders.
We are told that he has a keen interest in modernising the industry and has been involved with HM Land Registry’s Geovation Accelerator Programme, is a mentor to REACH UK’s Class of 2021 and has sat on the House Buying and Selling Working Group. Nathan is also a Main Board Director of Agent’s Giving.
Emerson said: “Involvement with Propertymark was my way to give back to an industry I am truly passionate about and I have now been asked to bring my experience and enthusiasm for property agents and what we do to this role. Propertymark is a fantastic organisation that has driven an improvement in standards and made a credible difference on issues that really impact the bottom line, such as securing business rate relief for all agents during the pandemic.
“Over the coming months the focus will be on stability and results. In addition to the Arbon House and London office operations we will be working closely with our committed regional representatives equipping and supporting them further to help liaise and deliver to members.
“I acknowledge Propertymark has had its share of detractors of late and I look forward to not only supporting members but actively engaging and working with the wider industry community proactively to forge a collective voice for the sector as we adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The Propertymark board has asked Nathan to lead the operational delivery of Propertymark’s strategy, working closely with Nicky Heathcote, interim executive chair, the board and the senior leadership team.
Heathcote said: “There should be no doubt that members remain at the heart of Propertymark’s priorities. Our new strategy focuses on providing value to members, raising industry standards, being a recognised industry voice and future proofing Propertymark.
“We are delighted that Nathan has agreed to undertake the role of Interim CEO. He is well known and highly respected within the industry and has always been results driven. His own experience places him in a strong position to build on the opportunities for the sector and answers the current call from members to have someone from within the industry.”
Comments (18)
Well done Nathan – looking forward to great things happening at Propertymark from hereon
Nice Post. Thank For Sharing.
Right person , make it permanent , give him the freedom to evolve , modernise and create a potent Organisation
I am really encouraged by this appointment – definitely a step in the right direction. Good luck Nathan.
Excellent decision – Emerson is a real catch for that role. He has bags of experience, is an astute and experienced strategist and transformation specialist, and will pull no punches. Good to see so many others agree.
I hope Nathan is not being brought in just to water the plants.
Propertymark brought with it the same outdated organisation that the NAEA was and no one has been brave enough to change it. Any organisation that fines me £50 for not replying to their emails has some serious ideas of grandeur it needs to lose. Even my mother only gets answers to one in 5 text messages FFS!
Best of luck, uphill battle.
An excellent choice by PropertyMark
I wish Nathan well. Lots of challenges for sure; but having a property professional at the helm will I trust be beneficial at this time.
Crikey – what a pleasure to read positive comments. Don’t know the guy but wish him well.
“The Propertymark board has asked Nathan to lead the operational delivery of Propertymark’s strategy…” Surely that was also what Balcon was tasked to do? Therefore his departure signifies that either he was not up to the job (highly unlikely given his CV) or he did not agree with the strategy (also unlikely given that he must surely have seen it before he took the position). Or the Board shifted the goalposts after Balcon was appointed. Has Propertymark published the strategy?
This is a great move by PM!
Well Done Nathan!
Great news!! In fact the best news Propertymark could have hoped for! I have spent some time with Nathan in the past, and his passion for the property industry, and helping agents achieve results is absolutely unquestionable. Good luck with your new role Nathan, this is very exciting times for Propertymark and its membership.
I’m biased, but I genuinely think this is fantastic news for Propertymark and the industry in general. He’s very astute and got commercial nous but crucially a good overview of the industry as a whole.
Much needed stability for them just when its needed but a promise of innovation at the right pace.
What’s not to like .
Hi Nathan, If you are reading this, could you consider changing PM’s policy on only promoting services to members on the basis of ‘ability/willingness to pay’?
Propertymark appeared doggedly determined to make bad decision after bad decision- but they have broken free of that with hiring Nathan. Intrigued to see what he can bring to the organisation- a fantastic hire!
Good choice!
Breath of fresh air….. congratulations Nathan