Fenn Wright appoints former Connells Group CEO (estate agency) as equity partner
Fenn Wright has announced the appointment of Ian Fry as equity partner and head of estate agency.
Wright, who left Connells Group earlier this year, will lead the residential team at Fenn Wright.
Miranda Sandison, managing partner of Fenn Wright said, “With a proven track record and a wealth of industry expertise in the residential sector, we are pleased to welcome Ian to the partnership and look forward to working closely with him as we continue to expand and unlock new opportunities.”
Fry has a rather impressive background, having started his career in estate agency in 1991. He joined William H Brown in 1996, which subsequently became part of the Connells Group, where he progressed from being a front desk estate agent to Connells Group chief executive (estate agency).
Former managing partner and head of residential agency, Alan Williams, added, “We are delighted to welcome Ian into our partnership. He is a very well-known, industry-leading figure and someone I have known personally for 25 years. He is an excellent communicator whose professionalism and strategic ability will drive our business forward in the years ahead.”
Fry commented, “In taking the step into ownership, it was important to me that it was with the right business. Living in Suffolk, I have long admired Fenn Wright as a trusted, established and respected brand with a long history in Essex and Suffolk. It is a part of the world I know very well, and I look forward to the opportunity to influence the next stage of growth in the business, working alongside my fellow equity partners and the wider estate agency team.”
Strettons appoints Mark Bolton as Managing Director
Strettons has announced the appointment of Mark Bolton as its new managing director, succeeding the late Simon Tilsiter who passed away in October following a brave battle with cancer.
Bolton has been with Strettons for over 30 years and, prior to the business’s relocation to its new London HQ in Shoreditch this summer, he headed Strettons’ City office for over 15 years.
His extensive experience spans agency work across a broad cross-section of market sectors, as well as valuation, development consultancy and lease advisory services.
Bolton commented: “Simon was my friend and colleague who had a distinguished career spanning over 30 years with the firm. During his tenure he played a key role in delivering the board’s vision for the direction and growth of the firm. His values and input have left an enduring legacy.”
Bolton added: “Our recent office move has increased our profile with existing and prospective clients and is attracting new talent to our teams. We now have the space and scope to explore new opportunities, including expanding our geographical reach.”
Malcolm Nicholls, chairman of Strettons, said: “With the full support of everyone on the board, we are delighted to appoint Mark as managing director. His vast experience across multiple disciplines makes him ideally placed to lead Strettons into its next chapter. Mark’s appointment will ensure further growth for Strettons in 2026 and beyond.”
Savills strengthens planning team in East of England
Savills has bolstered its planning team in the East of England with the appointment of an experienced director.
Neil Waterson returns to the Cambridge office having first joined the firm in 2000. He has 25 years’ experience in the planning sector, most recently as head of eastern region planning at Strutt and Parker – managing teams in Cambridge and Chelmsford.
Prior to that he was with development and investment specialists the Pigeon Group for six years, firstly as a planning manager within the land promotion team and then leading the planning and technical team for the company’s energy business, Cambridge Power.
A Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute with diplomas in both Town Planning and Environmental Management and Assessment, he has also worked in consultancy roles at Bidwells and Turley Associates.
Waterson has a broad range of experience across a number of sectors, with expertise in strategic land promotion for housing and renewable energy projects, alongside Local Plan site allocations, socio-economic planning, five-year housing land supply and environmental impact assessments.
In his new role he will be responsible for providing planning advice and consultancy across the eastern region with a particular focus on energy, housing and land promotion. He will also help oversee the planning team in the Savills Chelmsford office, where he will be based one day a week.
Waterson said: “Both Cambridge and Chelmsford are strong multi-discipline offices and the variety and range of planning projects being undertaken is very exciting.
“I know a lot of the current team already and I’m looking forward to helping the department develop and expand its service lines, as well using my knowledge and expertise to advise clients on how to unlock opportunities and support sustainable growth across the region.”
Andy Moffat, head of planning for Savills in the East of England, added: “It’s great to welcome Neil back into the Savills family. He has a comprehensive knowledge of Cambridge and the wider region and brings a great deal of experience which will be to the benefit of both clients and members of our team alike.
“His appointment signals our commitment to strengthening and growing our teams in response to market forces – allowing us to navigate the evolving planning landscape and ensuring that we continue to deliver the very best strategic advice.”
Read the orginal article: https://propertyindustryeye.com/comings-goings-371/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=comings-goings-371
