Propertymark has revealed its first overall CEO – Tim Balcon – who until recently led the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment. Balcon has been picked for his 20-year track record in turning around organisations like Propertymark and growing membership – not for any history in the property market. The recruitment spec for the job excluded any mention of property industry experience.

Balcon has previously worked at exams regulator Ofqual as well as an energy industry skills organisation and a vocational training advisory committee. “Housing is arguably the most important portfolio within the economic playbook and I look forward to bringing my experience of regulation, Government oversight and educational strategy along with my experience inside a number of different membership bodies, to bear on the next stage of the business’s development,” he says.

Balcons arrival follows the controversial departure of ARLA chief David Cox and the announcement that Mark Hayward, NAEA Chief Executive, is to retire.