Former Canopy CEO Chris Hutchinson (main image, left) has left the business just a few weeks after being replaced in the role.

Hutchinson was succeeded at the helm of Canopy and The Lettings Hub at the beginning of September by Gary Barker, who is one of the property industry’s best-known tech figures.

Now, Hutchinson leaves tenant referencing platform Canopy after six years, during which he oversaw the acquisition of competitor The Lettings Hub earlier this year. He became CEO in 2021 after almost two years as CFO.

Surprise

His departure comes as surprise as he was initially moved to the role of Chief Commercial Officer when Barker joined.

And he said at the time: “I’m thrilled to continue driving growth in my new role while supporting Gary and the Board.”

Unclear why

It is unclear why he has left the firm. A company spokesperson tells The Neg: “Chris has now left the business. We’re grateful for his contribution and wish him well.

“Under Gary’s leadership, we’re focused on the next stage of Canopy’s growth and supporting our customers and partners.”

Also, Lettings Hub CEO Heidi Shackell, who has been with the company more than 13 years, is on garden leave, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Senior roles

Barker, who first made his name leading Reapit, also enjoyed senior roles at Connells, nurtur group and tmGroup as well as a brief stint at The Lettings Hub.

Canopy, with The Lettings Hub, has grown from a six-person team to more than 190 employees, serving 2,600 letting agencies and signing up some 50,000 new renters onto its platform every month.