Michael Robson is to step down from Andrews Property Group after 35 years at the helm.

He will stay with the company in an advisory role until the end of the year; David Westgate, who has been managing director of the group’s lettings and management business for the last 20 years, has assumed the role of group chief executive.

Robson joined Andrews 40 years ago and became the group chief executive just five years later. In addition to his advisory role at Andrews, Robson will continue to serve on the board of The Property Ombudsman, as well as on the board of some of the businesses and organisations which have received grants from the Andrews Charitable Trust.

Westgate says he is looking forward to the challenge of his new post.

“Whilst some in the sector speak of uncertainty, I prefer to focus on certainties. Andrews is a business that is thriving; we are growing in key strategic areas and we have, I believe, the very best team in the industry” he says.

Westgate is a trustee of the Andrews Charitable Trust; there is no news yet on who will replace him as managing director of the lettings and management business.