It’s all change at the top of Andrews Property Group after it was announced that Group Chairman Jim Glover (pictured, middle) is to stand down with immediate effect and will be succeeded by Steven Esom (pictured, right).

Unusually, Esom does not have a property background and instead comes with a career in the retail sector, notably at Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose where he was Managing Director.

“Andrews Property Group stands out within the property sector as a firm built on integrity and deeply-held values,” he says.

“This makes it a both unique and interesting company to join and I’m very much looking forward to bringing my skills and experience to play with the entire Andrews’ team.”

Jim has done much of the preparatory work of Steven, transforming Andrews over the six years he’s held the chairmanship.

This has included developing a strategy for the charity-focussed business, rebranding its logo and other corporate visuals and bringing David Westgate (pictured, left) on as Group CEO.

Queen and county

Jim Glover is not remaining in the industry and will be instead be representing the Queen in Surrey as its new High Sheriff.

“Andrews has gone through a huge period of transition in recent times yet continues to place great importance on the fundamentals on which the business was built and to have been part of that is something that I shall always value,” says Jim Glover.

“The time is, however, right to move on to new challenges and I wish the entire Andrews team all the very best for what I’m sure will be a very successful future.”

Steven Esom was hired with the help of headhunting firm Saxon Bampfylde, which helped draw up a list of five potential candidates.

“The level of candidates was extremely high, and it was encouraging to see that all those shortlisted showed a commit to, and interest in, working with a commercial company owned by charitable trusts – something which makes us unique within the property sector,” says David Westgate.

Read our recent interview with David Westgate.