Ex-London agency chief leads company's southern expansion

Ivor Dickinson - the former ebullient managing director of the Douglas & Gordon agency in London - has joined Lomond Capital to lead its expansion into the south of England.

Over 18 years, Dickinson grew Douglas & Gordon from three offices to its position as one an innovative sales, lettings and management chains. Now his becomes regional chief executive, charged with accelerating Lomond's presence in the south.

Lomond Capital was formed in 2010 and now manages a rental portfolio in excess of £1.75 billion across four cities - Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.

It received private equity backing from MML Capital Partners last year to build on its momentum and accelerate future expansion in the UK's rapidly expanding residential rental property market.

Ivor has joined the company to accelerate our acquisition strategy in the south of England and eventually London. .... This move is a key element in our strategy to build a regional network of strong property management businesses in the UK says Stuart Pender, Lomond Capital' chief executive.

Dickinson disappeared off the D&G radar about a year ago, since which time the firm has moved away from some of the high-profile - and fun - activities for which it had once been known, such as controversial viral videos and the use of dramatic art to promote its brand.

I look forward to drawing swords with my old adversaries in London in due course" says Dickinson.