Connells’ new chief executive is to be Helen Charlesworth, who for the past eight years has been managing director at Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company.

A statement from Connells says the appointment – which is still subject to regulatory approval – will see her take up the post in September and replace Richard Twigg who has been interim chief executive for the past year. Twigg now reverts to his role as chief finance and commercial officer.

The firm says Charlesworth “is renowned for her exceptional leadership qualities which she has demonstrated across various sectors including retail, hospitality and estate agency.”

Connells Group has a network of over 1,200 branches nationwide, including new homes, mortgage services, conveyancing, EPC provision, surveying, corporate lettings, asset management, land and planning, and auctions, in addition to lettings and sales services.

In addition to operating under the Connells brand, the group trades under 85 well-known local names including Abbotts, Allen & Harris, Ashley Adams, Bagshaws Residential, Bairstow Eves, Barnard Marcus, Brown & Merry, Burchell Edwards, Fox & Sons, Gascoigne Halman, Hamptons, John D. Wood, Jones & Chapman, Manners & Harrison, Paul Dubberley, Peter Alan, Roger Platt, Rook Matthews Sayer, Shipways, Slater Hogg & Howison, Swetenhams, Sharman Quinney, Taylors and William H Brown.