EYE NEWSFLASH: Purplebricks Appoints Ex-Romans MD As Chief Sales Officer

Purplebricks has appointed well-known industry figure Vince Courtney as chief sales officer in a new bid to revive its fortunes.

Courtney was managing director of sales at Romans for 21 years. He left the firm in March 2018, as part of a major shake-up, following the merger with Leaders in 2016 that led to the creation of Leaders Romans Group, backed by venture capitalist Bowmark Capital.

He joined Haslams in Reading as sales director in September 2018, before leaving to join Andrew Property Group in February 2021 as sales director – a role he held until he quit this month.

No statement has been issued by Purplebricks but Courtney’s LinkedIn profile has been changed this week, confirming his new position with the struggling online estate agency.

Purplebricks created the role of chief sales officer in March last year, when Chris Beckwith, previously of Dexters, Currell (part of Savills Group) and Foxtons, was hired.

Beckwith lasted less than six weeks in the position, before joining Connells Group.

EYE understands that Courtney has joined this week with a remit covering all aspects of Purplebricks’ sales: he will be charged with overseeing the sales journey for customers, to help the business expand its market share, and will be supported by a team of divisional sales directors who together run the sales operation.

With his in-depth industry knowledge and expertise, could Courtney’s appointment be the start of Purplebricks CEO Helena Marston’s big “turnaround plan” for the brand?

EYE has contacted Purplebricks for comment.