Darvey joined Purplebricks in 2019 following the departure of Michael and Kenny Bruce. The online estate agency recently posted a loss for the year, partly due to money being reserved for potential claims related to compliance issues in its lettings business, while also suffering from increased costs as it revamped its internal structure and pricing system.
Darvey’s departure message to Purplebricks’ shareholders said:
“It has been a privilege to lead this business over the last three years. While I am sorry to be leaving at this stage in the Company’s transformation, we have a great team in place and a clear plan which I have every confidence Helena will deliver. I wish everyone at Purplebricks a happy and successful future.”
Marston, Darvey’s replacement, joined the agency just under two years ago as chief people officer and has been chief operating officer since the end of 2021. Her statement said:
“I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead Purplebricks in the next phase of our journey. We have a fantastic brand and a great opportunity to accelerate our growth, providing the best experience for customers. I would also like to extend my best wishes to Vic and wish him well for the future.”
Purplebricks said in a statement on Thursday morning that, since joining, Marston has “has taken over responsibility for all aspects of Purplebricks’ people and operational strategy ensuring the group has the optimum structure to deliver a high-performance culture, having designed and led the complex project to move all field agents to fully employed in 2021″.
It also seems the organisation will continue in the same direction despite the change of leadership, with Purplebricks stating that “Helena has worked closely with Vic on the strategy and new business model as well as implementing a number of the performance improvement initiatives.”
Paul Pindar, chairman of Purplebricks, commented:
“I would like to thank Vic for his leadership, energy and commitment to Purplebricks.
He has guided the business during a period of considerable change and challenge, including building a strengthened senior leadership team focused on our tech-led growth. We understand and respect his personal reasons for leaving and wish him the very best in the future.
I am delighted to welcome Helena to the Board. Helena has shown impressive leadership since joining the Executive Leadership Team and been responsible for implementing a number of our strategic initiatives. I am confident she will drive the necessary performance improvements that are underway and deliver the growth ambitions of the Company.”
