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Agencies & People

BREAKING: Purplebricks’ Chief Executive steps down ‘for personal reasons’

Vic Darvey is to make way for COO Helena Marston at the end of the month after a difficult few months for the hybrid estate agency.

Nigel Lewis

Purplebricks Chief Executive Vic Darvey has decided to quit the company ‘due to personal circumstances’.

helena marstonHe will leave the estate agency at the end of this month after which Helena Marston, currently its 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.

This makes Purplebricks the only property industry PLC to have a female CEO.

Darvey joined Purplebricks in January 2019 and took over as Chief Executive in May 2019 after the departure of the Bruce brothers, overseeing the firm’s exit from the Group’s loss-making international operations as well as the implementation of a new operating model for the UK business.

Paul Pindar, Chairman of Purplebricks and a major shareholder, says: “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.

Performance improvements

“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.”

Marston adds: “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.”

Marston 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.

March 10, 2022

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