NAEA chief delays retirement to help restructure Propertymark

Mark Hayward, who was scheduled to retire at the end of this month, is to stay on at NAEA Propertymark as chief policy advisor. 

Hayward has been chief executive of the NAEA for seven years, having previously been a board member and board chairman for four years.

Working alongside the former ARLA chief executive David Cox - now with Rightmove - Hayward has been closely identified with the creation of the consumer-facing Propertymark brand.

Hayward was a key figure lobbying the government for business rate relief for agents and the inclusion of commission within furlough calculations to support agents hit by the Coronavirus crisis.

He has also been heavily involved in the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group, created by the government to advise on regulating the agency industry. 

Now a statement from Propertymark says Hayward’s experience in the property industry will support the new chief executive - Tim Balcon - to restructure the policy and external affairs activities and ensure the different disciplines are represented effectively across the UK.

The announcement from Propertymark does not include comments from Hayward himself but Balcon says: “I am delighted that Mark has agreed to stay on for a further 12 months, this will ensure continuity of support to our members at this unprecedented time. 

“Mark’s experience will be invaluable in the transformation programme and will give us time to ensure we get the right calibre and experience within the team to build on our work with industry partners, stakeholders and authorities across the UK.”