10 Mar 2022 07:00
10 March 2022
Purplebricks Group plc
("Purplebricks", the "Company" or the "Group")
Board Change
Purplebricks Group plc (AIM: PURP), the UK's leading tech-led estate agency business, announces that Vic Darvey, Chief Executive, has informed the Board of his decision to leave the Company due to personal circumstances. Vic will leave Purplebricks at the end of March following which Helena Marston, currently Chief Operating Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer, effective from 4 April, subject to the completion of the customary due diligence checks required by the AIM Rules.
Vic has led Purplebricks through a period of considerable change, the Covid-19 pandemic and a business transformation since joining in January 2019 and taking over as Chief Executive in May 2019. Vic oversaw the exit from the Group's loss-making international operations as well as the implementation of a new operating model for the UK business.
Helena has worked closely with Vic on the strategy and new business model as well as implementing a number of the performance improvement initiatives.
Paul Pindar, Chairman of Purplebricks, commented:
"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Vic for his leadership, energy and commitment to Purplebricks. He has guided the business during a period of considerable change and challenge, including building a strengthened senior leadership team focused on our tech-led growth. We understand and respect his personal reasons for leaving and wish him the very best in the future."
"I am delighted to welcome Helena to the Board. Helena has shown impressive leadership since joining the Executive Leadership Team and been responsible for implementing a number of our strategic initiatives. I am confident she will drive the necessary performance improvements that are underway and deliver the growth ambitions of the Company."
Vic Darvey, commented:
"It has been a privilege to lead this business over the last three years. While I am sorry to be leaving at this stage in the Company's transformation, we have a great team in place and a clear plan which I have every confidence Helena will deliver. I wish everyone at Purplebricks a happy and successful future."
Helena Marston, commented:
"I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead Purplebricks in the next phase of our journey. We have a fantastic brand and a great opportunity to accelerate our growth, providing the best experience for customers. I would also like to extend my best wishes to Vic and wish him well for the future. "
Background on Helena Marston
Helena joined Purplebricks in May 2020 as Chief People Officer and took over the role of Chief Operating Officer at the end of 2021, having held several senior HR roles at Virgin Media, Kuwait Energy, Jaguar Land Rover and Vodafone where she drove significant performance improvements in leadership and organisational culture for these world-leading multinational companies. Since joining the Company, Helena has taken over responsibility for all aspects of Purplebricks' people and operational strategy ensuring the Group has the optimum structure to deliver a high-performance culture, having designed and led the complex project to move all field agents to fully employed in 2021.
For further information, please contact
Purplebricks
Fiona O'Nolan, Equitory, Investor Relations investors@purplebricks.com
+44 (0)7710 440158
Zeus Capital (NOMAD)
Daniel Harris + 44 (0)20 3829 5000
Engine MHP
Alan Tovey +44 (0)7833 437044
Peter Hewer +44 (0)7709 326261
About Purplebricks
Purplebricks is a leading tech-led estate agency business, based in the UK. Purplebricks combines highly experienced and professional Local Property Partners and innovative technology to help make the process of selling, buying or letting more convenient, transparent and cost effective. Purplebricks shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange AIM market.