Former Hamptons chair to take helm at Foxtons after investor pressure

The London-based estate agent is lining up Nigel Rich, an experienced boardroom figure, to succeed Ian Barlow as its non-executive chairman, Sky News learns.

Mark Kleinman

City editor @MarkKleinmanSky

Thursday 16 September 2021 19:58, UK

LONDON - JULY 10: A Foxtons real estate agents shop is shown July 10, 2003 in London, England. House price growth slowed in June but the property market remains well supported, according to the latest survey from the Halifax with prices have risen by 21.9 percent over the past year. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Image: Foxtons is a London-focused estate agent
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A former chairman of Hamptons International is to take the helm at Foxtons, the London-focused estate agent, following a period of pressure from its biggest investors.

Sky News has learnt that Foxtons' board has selected Nigel Rich, who has also chaired Segro, the warehouse operator, to replace Ian Barlow, who said earlier this year that he would step down.

An announcement about the change of chairman is expected in the near future.

Mr Rich's pedigree in the property sector and beyond means his appointment is likely to be well-received by the City.

File photo dated 08/02/17 of a row of To Let estate agent signs placed outside houses in north London. The gap is greatest in London, where home owners could find themselves 18% better off typically, adding up to savings of 3,727 per year, Halifax said.
Image: Support for the housing market from national governments has helped Foxtons improve its financial performance

The company's performance has steadily improved this year, but it has nevertheless endured a rocky ride over executive pay packages and aspects of its corporate strategy.

In June, Hosking Partners, which holds an 11% stake in the estate agent, called for "radical board-level change" at the company.

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Foxtons enjoyed its best first-half trading performance since 2016, although that was partly fuelled by homebuyers rushing to beat the end of the Treasury's stamp duty holiday.

Like many London-listed companies, it tapped shareholders for fresh capital after warning of a collapse in revenues after the onset of the pandemic.

It also took furlough funds from the government during the period when its branches were closed.

Shares in Foxtons closed on Thursday at 52.2p, giving the company a market capitalisation of £174m.

Foxtons declined to comment.