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Written by rosalind renshaw

Gerry Fitzjohn has become chief operating officer for the company running The Property Ombudsman Scheme. Bill McClintock, from whom he takes over, stays on as chairman.

Fitzjohn became vice-chairman in 2010, having been appointed to the board in 2000 when Countrywide, of which he was a director, joined what was then the Ombudsman for Estate Agents.

That move brought 725 Countrywide offices under the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction and helped boost the number covered by the scheme to 4,221 by the end of 2000, from the 2,750 at the start of that year.

Twelve years later, TPO covers 14,006 offices operated by 8,280 member firms. It recruited its 1,000th member firm only at the start of 2005.

Like McClintock, Fitzjohn is a veteran of estate agency. McClintock notched up a half century in 2009, whilst Fitzjohn has 38 years behind him.

McClintock said that Fitzjohn’s experience would be invaluable in supporting estate agency members of TPO as the scheme seeks to expand into other property-related areas.

Fitzjohn said: “TPO has become the largest residential sales and lettings membership body within the UK property industry, but there is still scope for growth, particularly in the lettings sector.

“My role will be to take over the affairs of the company while Bill McClintock concentrates on new areas to help spread operating costs over a broader membership base going forward.

“There has been a huge rise in membership during the last 12 years thanks to hard work from Bill and the current Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer, and they have also made great strides in improving professional standards through developing our Codes of Practice.”

Lord Richard Best, chairman of the independent council which oversees TPO, said the industry was fortunate in having two such experienced people helping improve standards and dedicate so much time to running TPO.

He said: “Both Bill McClintock and Gerry Fitzjohn are tireless in their efforts for TPO and the wider industry.

“They bring a great deal to TPO at a time when some of their contemporaries would be happy to take a back seat, and I personally value the contribution they make to the smooth running of the scheme.”

Comments

  • icon

    Almost as many agents onthe books as Rightmove ! maybe they should merge

    • 13 January 2012 16:09 PM
  • icon

    Good to see young blood come in, what what!

    Godfrwey or Geoffrwey will be pleased.

    Toodle pip!

    • 13 January 2012 13:40 PM
  • icon

    Great news for the industry and 'good' EA's. The TPO are constantly improving the public perception of the EA business.

    Congratulations Gerry, Good Old Boy!

    • 13 January 2012 09:54 AM
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