Winkworth in turmoil as family at top wrestles for power
Father and son, Simon and Dominic Agace, are battling for control of the agency with new High Court action initiated.
Leading agency Winkworth is reportedly in turmoil as family members at the top battle for control.
The company has initiated High Court proceedings against current chair and former Chief Executive Simon Agace (pictured left) for breach of confidentiality.
Director approval
His wife reportedly tried to oust the current board at the company’s AGM in May.
Agace’s son Dominic Agace (pictured right), the current Chief Executive, has led the organisation since 2004 when he took over the reins from his father.
Both men led the agency franchise company onto the stockmarket in 2009 when it was floated.
In a statement to the City this morning, Winkworth said: “The decision to commence the proceedings was approved by the directors entitled to participate in the decision, following receipt of independent legal advice.”
Replace board
Now CityAM is reporting that Simon Agace’s wife Irene Ho Kim Lee is using her 34% holding to lead a coup at the top by trying to replace the current board members.
Simon Agace wants to appoint a board of his choosing, and has warned he will hold a shareholder meeting to achieve his aims, CityAM reports.
A Winkworth spokesperson told The Neg: “It is unfortunate that this matter has reached this stage. As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for the Company to comment further.”
Resilient performance
Last month, Winkworth said sales in the first half of 2026 remained resilient, closely tracking the strong start achieved in 2025.
Earlier in the year, however, the company saw its shares plunge 8%, after experiencing a profit fall of 11% last year.
The group revealed profits dropped last year and revenue was flat, when it published full-year results for 2025.
