Keynsham-based estate agency and property group Andrews’ chairman Jim Glover is standing down next week after serving two terms in the post over a period of six years. He will be succeeded by Steven Esom, who has had a long career mainly in the retail sector.
During his time in the role, Jim Glover has overseen the development of a new group-wide strategy, the roll out of new branding and a transition period during which the board was further strengthened and David Westgate took over as group CEO.
Mr Glover, who now becomes the High Sheriff of Surrey, said: “Andrews has gone through a huge period of transition in recent times yet continues to place great importance on the fundamentals on which the business was built and to have been part of that is something that I shall always value.
“The time is, however, right to move on to new challenges and I wish the entire Andrews team all the very best for what I’m sure will be a very successful future.”
David Westgate said: “In Jim, we had a phenomenally talented chairman who has supported the group through some significant changes and developments. Finding a suitable replacement was, therefore, always going to be a process requiring time and considerable attention to detail.”
His replacement was chosen following a search headed by Mr Westgate and non-executive director Paul Heal and conducted by London-based executive search and recruitment firm Saxon Bampfylde.
Following a thorough appraisal of a very strong pool of candidates, a shortlist of five was interviewed before agreeing on the final two.
Mr Westgate added: “The level of candidates was extremely high, and it was encouraging to see that all those shortlisted showed a commitment to, and interest in, working with a commercial company owned by charitable trusts – something which makes us unique within the property sector.”
Mr Esom brings a career history spent mostly in the retail sector, including senior roles at Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, where was managing director.
He said: “Andrews Property Group stands out within the property sector as a firm built on integrity and deeply-held values. This makes it a both unique and interesting company to join and I’m very much looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to play with the entire Andrews’ team.”
Mr Westgate added: “Having spent time with Steven throughout the recruitment process, I am confident that he will provide myself and the board with a valuable level of insight and challenge. He will be an asset to the whole of Andrews Property Group and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Andrews was founded in 1946 by Cecil Jackson Cole, a pivotal figure in the founding of charities including such as Oxfam, Help the Aged and Action Aid. It now operates from nearly 60 offices across the South of England.
It is owned by two charitable trusts to which it gives a minimum of 35% of its profits every year.
Pictured, from left: Andrews CEO David Westgate, group chairman Jim Glover and his replacement in that role, Steven Esom
