Purplebricks finance chief leaves after just a year i...

Purplebricks chief financial officer (CFO) Steve Long is to leave the online agent after just a year in the role.

The beleaguered brand, which is reported to be considering job cuts, announced yet another boardroom shakeup this morning.

Long replaced Andy Botha in October 2021 when he left after just 18 months in the role.

Dominique Highfield has been announced as the new Purplebricks CFO with effect from 1 November.

She joins Purplebricks with 15 years' experience in finance including at Sainsbury's, Amazon and, most recently, as Director of Finance at Pentland Brands, the large privately-owned business housing well-known retail brands. She qualified as a chartered accountant whilst at PwC.

Long will step down from his role and the Purplebricks board with effect from 1 November 2022. He will remain with the business until the end of November to support the transition.
Commenting on the appointment, Paul Pindar, chairman of Purplebricks, said: “I would like to thank Steve for his contribution and supporting Helena as she transitioned into the chief executive role.

“We wish him the very best with his future endeavours.

“I am delighted to welcome Dominique. Dominique brings strong and relevant financial and strategic experience alongside a commercial attitude and an energy and determination that aligns with Helena's. I believe the partnership between Helena and Dominique is exactly what Purplebricks needs to create a better, sustainable performance."

Helena Marston, chief executive of Purplebricks, said: “Dominique is a seasoned financial executive and is well-equipped to work with our senior executive team to help us return to sales growth and gross margin improvement at pace. Dominique has a reputation for being a strong, 'hands on' organisational leader and an excellent collaborator with commercial teams.
“I thank Steve for all the support he has given me since I became chief executive and I wish him the very best for the future."

Highfield added: "I am proud and inspired to be joining Purplebricks. I believe the brand's offering to consumers is incredibly relevant and much needed during the current climate, and that we can make a real difference to real people.

“Helena and I share high aspirations for the performance of the business. I am excited by the calibre, commitment and customer-focused culture within the Purplebricks team, along with the clarity of Helena's plan.

“I look forward to bringing my commercial finance experience to the Board and executive leadership Team. I am passionate about leading the finance function through the business' next chapter of growth, making sure finance has a pivotal seat at the table - influencing sustainable cash and profit growth."