Leading Northern estate agency Preston Baker has appointed a new CEO who has promised to expand the company via its self-employed ‘Associate Model’ across the UK.

Tom Kirk (main picture) has joined the firm with a strong if not unusual industry background including a stint working for hybrid firm The Agency UK and Boomin, where he was Chief Product Officer. He also worked at Purplebricks in both the UK and US, but started his career in the traditional sector operating as a Branch Manager for Reeds Rains and Hunters. He is also a professional football referee.

He joins estate agency Preston Baker following its recent transition from an employed agency to a fully self-employed model.

“All my experience in estate agency has shown me that the way forward is a model like the one Preston Baker has adopted, with self-employed Associates supported by a strong, reputable brand, allowing them to spend time with home movers and deliver the best possible outcomes,” he says.

Low volume

“I am intensely passionate and committed to providing home movers with the highest standard of estate agency service and this is best achieved with the low volume, high service, personal approach, supported by market-leading technology, that Preston Baker delivers with its new self-employed Associate model.

“The support provided to Preston Baker Associates through marketing, technology, mentoring and leadership training, is second-to-none and allows them to concentrate on doing the job of looking after home movers and delivering a premium service.

“My aim is to build a sustainable, successful network of Associates across the UK under the Preston Baker brand, and create a lasting legacy within estate agency in this country.”