Chestertons’ recently-launched drive to expand and develop its existing franchised estate agency business took a step forward today following the appointment of two new big hitters to its team poached from Sothebys International.

Jamie McMullan joins as Chief Operating Officer for UK & Europe Franchising and David Russell has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer for Global Franchising and New Homes.

They join the growing team of franchising experts brought on board since Chestertons revealed its franchising plans in May last year, which include expansion in both the UK and Europe.

Both McMullan and Russell are key hires because they were instrumental in the success of the Sotheby’s franchised global network of branches which is now a major player in the world prime property sector.

International team

The Chestertons team are an international lot; based in Dubai the team is spread around the world including International COO Gavin Vercoe who is in Germany, CEO Nick Whitty in the UAE, Jamie McMullan in London and David Russell in York and London.

McMullan will be responsible for the roll-out of Chestertons’ franchise programme in the UK and Europe, while Russell will spearhead the strategic planning and execution of the brand’s global media programme to drive further awareness of the brand and its offices to prospective franchisees.

Salah Mussa, Chairman of the Chestertons Group, says: “The fact that two hard-hitting hires have joined us from one of the world’s largest international real estate companies is representative of our direction of travel for the business.”