The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has appointed Jan Hÿtch and Bill Cooper as non-executive directors to its board. Both bring over 35 years of experience in the property sector, covering areas such as estate agency, lettings, professional standards, and consumer redress. Hÿtch has previously served as a director of Propertymark and a member of the RICS UK Residential Board, while Cooper owned and operated a Martin & Co lettings business.
Claire Bassett, chair of The Property Ombudsman board, stated that their knowledge and insight will be a valuable asset as TPO continues to strengthen its work for consumers and property businesses.
Separately, Rightmove has announced two new board appointments. David Thomas, who recently stepped down as Barratt Redrow’s group chief executive, will join as an independent non-executive director on 1 January 2027. Rosemary Leith, who joined Rightmove's board on 1 October, will take up the senior independent director role on 1 January 2027.
Andrew Fisher, Rightmove’s chair, said these appointments will enhance the board’s technology and property-sector expertise as the portal develops its AI and digital services. Thomas brings extensive experience from the UK housebuilding sector, having overseen Barratt’s merger with Redrow in 2024. Leith has experience in technology, digital governance, and financial services.
In other industry news, former LMS chief executive Nick Chadbourne has taken on two senior roles. He has joined Novus Strategy as non-executive chair and is now chair of the Conveyancing Association. Chadbourne will help Novus Strategy expand its work with mortgage lenders, particularly with its new Pathfinder platform, which simulates mortgage journey changes.