The Open Property Data Association (OPDA) has announced the appointment of eight members to its inaugural executive committee in an effort to further promote the use of open property data and standards.
OPDA says it is “devoted” to the revolution of the property industry through the use of collaborative data initiatives. It added that its new executive committee consists of experienced leaders from across the business and property sectors, meaning they are “well-positioned to drive significant change and propel the industry into a new era of data-driven transformation”.
The committee members are as follows:
- John Reynolds, Coadjute
- Jason Tebb, OnTheMarket
- Ed Molyneux, Moverly
Paul Albone, tmgroup - Kieran Witt, Kotini
- Malcolm Smith, Groundsure
- Lewis Scott, Homely
- Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Inventory Base
“Having a strong and representative executive committee is key for any trade member association, so I’m thrilled to have such a broad range of experience, skills, and innovative personalities on the team,” said Maria Harris, Chair of OPDA:
“To have market leading firms from proptech start-ups, established industry suppliers, cutting edge technology infrastructure, and a well-known high-street brand in OnTheMarket, is testament to the desire and commitment across the industry to make this work.
I’m genuinely humbled by everything we’ve achieved in such a short space of time and incredibly excited for a better home buying future.”
Below is information on, and thoughts from, all eight members of the new executive committee.
John Reynolds, Founder and COO, Coadjute
“I am thrilled to join the Open Property Data Association as an executive member. This opportunity allows me to champion the transformative potential of open data and standards in the property market. I firmly believe that open data and standards will pave the way for a fully digital market where consumers can make informed decisions and businesses can thrive in a dynamic and connected ecosystem. By embracing these principles, we can break down data silos, foster interoperability, and create a better property market for everyone. I look forward to leveraging the collective expertise of the OPDA to unlock the immense potential of open data and standards, fuelling transparency, collaboration, and innovation for the benefit of all.”
Jason Tebb, CEO, OnTheMarket
“Innovation is part of our DNA, and for this reason we are pleased to take our place on the executive committee of the ODPA. We are committed to increasing transparency and digitisation in the home buying and selling process, which is a good thing for our agent customers as well as consumers. As the first major UK property portal to take a place on the committee, we are proud to be taking bold steps towards making the process easier and quicker for buyers and sellers, whilst at the same time reinforcing our agents’ pipelines and speeding up transaction times”
Ed Molyneux, Founder and CTO, Moverly
“The history of the property industry is littered with failed attempts to transform the conveyancing process with data. This has been largely, I believe, because of misguided attempts to create yet another proprietary, closed platform to which all parties have to participate. Instead, the OPDA’s vision is to build an open and collaborative ecosystem of partners. This approach is much more likely to garner wider adoption, and to generate opportunities for genuine innovation. This change is long-overdue, and I’m excited and proud to be joining the OPDA as an executive member to play a part in bringing it to reality.
Paul Albone, CTO and COO, tmgroup
“I am encouraged by the energy that has been created by the development of the Property Data Trust Framework over the past couple of years and it is refreshing to see the appetite for collaboration by organisations from across the various segments of a property transaction. Having been involved in the development of PISCES (OSCRE) standards in the past I have seen firsthand the benefits that a standard can deliver and the PDTF takes that integration and sharing of data to the next level. I look forward to being an active member of the OPDA executive and assisting organisations in adoption.”
Kieran Witt, Founder and CEO, Kotini
“I’m proud to be an executive member of the Open Property Data Association and driving innovation forward in the property industry. In other sectors, namely banking, we’ve seen how open and standardised data can unlock innovation and efficiency and improve customer outcomes. The OPDA is here to make the same happen for property through open, standardised data that can be trusted. I believe this is what the industry needs to drive improvements to the home buying and selling experience and am looking forward to championing the OPDA.”
Malcolm Smith, COO, Groundsure
“I am excited to represent Groundsure as an executive member for the Open Property Data Association. Our position has always been that data can only be useful if it is accessible and unlocks clarity to the user and enables empowered decision making. This is fundamental when it comes to real estate transactions where asset value and client peace of mind are the key drivers. Our environmental content and analysis are a major factor in safeguarding both these factors and we will be working closely with the Open Property Data Association to ensure that clear and actionable information can be delivered in a joined up and effective manner.”
Lewis Scott, co-founder and CEO, Homely
“Throughout history, numerous industries have surged forward by harnessing the power of technology and data, guided by shared principles and frameworks. Now, it’s the turn of the home buying and selling process to embrace this transformative approach. Currently, the transaction process takes far too long, lagging behind other industries. We need to accelerate the speed of change and bring it up to par. It won’t happen overnight, but by fostering collaboration and adopting a forward-thinking mindset, we can drive the change our industry desperately needs. Now is the time to join forces before the risk of missing out on the most significant shift we’ve seen in the property market in the last century. This is why I’m thrilled to be a part of the Open Property Data Association.”
Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director, Inventory Base
“Ever since I entered the property industry, I’ve been fascinated by the impact data can have when used constructively. In real estate, where trust is often lacking, transparent and actionable data plays a crucial role in restoring industry integrity and rebuilding consumer confidence. I share the passion for progress with our OPDA members and together, we are dedicated to transforming real estate transactions, creating a future where data supports property professionals and provides consumers with exceptional choice and services.”
“At OPDA, our mission is clear: to foster innovation, build trust, and drive industry-wide collaboration in order to digitise and streamline the home-moving process using the power of data,” they concluded.
