Comings & Goings

Ralph Sayer bolsters senior team with double hire

Louise McLaren (left) and Kimberley Mackay

Ralph Sayer, the Edinburgh-based solicitors and estate agents, has announced the appointment of two senior members of staff.

Kimberley Mackay has joined as a partner to head up a new private client division of the business, while the team has been further bolstered with the arrival of Louise McLaren as legal director.

Mackay began her career with Georgesons in Wick, Caithness and joins from Edinburgh legal firm Gillespie Macandrew where she was an associate, having previously been Head of private client at Watermans.

McLaren joins from Elmslies in the capital where she held a similar position having also been a director at Garden Stirling Burnet in East Lothian, Simpson & Marwick and Ralph Hendrie Legal.

Ralph Sayer’s chief executive, Ivan Ralph, commented: “We are aiming to build a new department on the back of Kimberley’s arrival as private client partner.

“She set up the private client department at Watermans from scratch, and she’ll effectively be doing that here. At the moment we do Wills and Powers of Attorney for clients if they ask but now with Kimberley in place, we will be focusing on these things as well as the likes of inheritance tax planning.

“Planning for the future has become ever more important in the current climate, and Kimberley’s expertise in guiding clients will be a valuable asset for the firm and will complement the existing offering we have.

“Louise is someone I know very well and is another excellent addition to the team. She was a secretary/paralegal who did a law degree in her mid-40s, and was a trainee of mine at McEwan Fraser Legal and also worked with me at Ralph Hendrie so is returning for a third time and will play an important part in our growth strategy.”

Mackay is the fourth partner in the firm and said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, and I am excited to develop and guide a brand-new private client team. I’ve been so impressed with the work Ralph Sayer has been doing and their growing presence in such a short space of time. I am so pleased to be a part of it.”

McLaren added: “I am delighted to be joining Ralph Sayer and am looking forward to forging new business relationships to support the growth of the business.”

Gavin Swartzman to join Christie’s International Real Estate as president

Gavin Swartzman, who recently oversaw one of the largest residential brokerage firms in North America and has been lauded as one of the real estate industry’s most influential leaders, will be joining Christie’s International Real Estate next month as president.

Co-CEOs Thad Wong and Mike Golden made the announcement at Christie’s International Real Estate’s annual conference in New York City, May 5-8.

Swartzman will oversee global expansion and strategy for the luxury real estate network, which currently has more than 100 member-firms in over 50 countries and territories, including prime central London.

In early 2025, Christie’s International Real Estate came under the ownership of Compass, a move expected to further accelerate
growth.

For the past 11 years, Swartzman was CEO of Peerage Realty Partners, a Toronto-based holding company that owns and operates brokerage firms in the US and Canada. Its companies include franchise affiliates of Christie’s International Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty and other brands.

Swartzman said: “My initial exposure to the distinctive enterprise of luxury real estate was through my work with long-time Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate Chestnut Park. This formative experience, early in my industry career, established my passion for this specialized segment of the business and the people who support it. Christie’s International Real Estate has the opportunity to be the preeminent luxury real estate brand in the world, and I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with our affiliates, agents, and management team to realize that vision.”

Wong commented: “Gavin brings a resume and skillset to Christie’s International Real Estate that is one of one. I can’t name another leader in this industry who has overseen multiple brokerage firms; has walked in the shoes of our affiliates; has experience with some of the most respected brands in luxury real estate; has an extensive background in M&A; and has managed in both public and private companies. Gavin has done it all with a track record for growth and success that is unmatched. It’s a dream scenario for the network.”

Golden added: “As impressive as Gavin’s background is, what stands out even more is how the people who have worked with him talk about his character and his human qualities as a leader. From our first conversations with Gavin, Thad and I knew he was a perfect fit for our culture and our top choice to help take Christie’s International Real Estate where we want to go.”

Hartnell Taylor Cook announces senior promotions

Hartnell Taylor Cook has announced several senior promotions, with Jonathan Moore and Steven Shaw both being promoted to director, and Miranda Anglias to senior associate director. Additionally, a number of individuals have also been promoted to associate director, senior surveyor ands enior facilities manager positions.

With headcount now standing at 127 across offices in London and Bristol, Hartnell Taylor Cook continues to grow.

Stuart Howell, managing partner, said: “Hartnell Taylor Cook has more than a century of history and we’ve learnt a lot over that time, especially the crucial role that our people play in our success.

The dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm from these individuals has played a vital role in delivering excellent service to our clients and we believe that by investing in our team’s growth we also grow as a business. I’m delighted to see our people continuing to thrive and I look forward to seeing them develop and excel in their new roles.”