The stakes continue to be raised in the online sector, after eMoov announced the recruitment of a new marketing director.

Lucy Milne has joined from the same role at Just Eat, the online takeaway ordering service.

Her CV also includes a stint as head of retail marketing at Orange.

eMoov boss Russell Quirk called her appointment “an epic hire”.

He said: “As the hybrid agency sector consolidates to just three or so viable players, the strength of the upper tier management team is pivotal to remain ahead of the pack.

“We’ve just raised a decent sum with more to come, but Lucy joining us is a further stake in the ground where our intent for the business is concerned.

“Her extensive experience and vast marketing weaponry will further cement eMoov’s position in the market as the fair, honest, value-added household name in property, ensuring our growth success.

“Lucy is renowned for her work at Just Eat, making the brand name synonymous with takeaway food. We look forward to her doing the same in making eMoov associated as the by-word for better estate agency.” 

Milne said: “I’m delighted to be moving into a new role and applying the experiences I’ve gained at Just Eat to a different industry.

“The rapid pace of the online sector at present makes it an exciting space to be in, but there is still a long way to go in educating the consumer as to why the online/hybrid model is the future of estate agency.

“Luckily, I’m starting on the front foot, as eMoov is already renowned within the industry, and I have no doubt that the company already possess the core foundations to facilitate the rapid growth required to lead this sector, which was one of the reasons I chose to take this position.”

Purplebricks – whose TV adverts have been widely acclaimed – and YOPA (Village People) also field high-powered marketing chiefs.

In May, Gav Thompson joined YOPA as chief marketing officer after a similar role at Paddy Power.

James Kidd is director of marketing at Purplebricks, and has been involved with the company since pre-launch. His CV includes stints at Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media.