Mark Russell takes over from current CEO Rob Farnham at The Venmore Group which operates hree estate agency brands in Wirral, Liverpool and Southport. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside estate agency business The Venmore Group has appointed Mark Russell as its new chief executive.

Mr Russell is currently head of estate agency for Venmore. He started working for the business as a valuer in 2014 before stepping up into a branch manager role. He replaces Rob Farnham who will step back to become co-chairman with Paul Lea.

Venmore operates three estate agency brands in Wirral, Liverpool and Southport. They include Venmore, Bradshaw Farnham & Lea and Ball & Percival. It also offers auction, commercial, survey and lettings services.

“It’s a privilege to take on the CEO role with The Venmore Group,” said Mr Russell. “The Venmore brand has been a mainstay across Merseyside for 171 years. As current custodian of this great name, I am excited to lead a strong combination of experienced management and hugely robust teams in delivering exceptional service.

“As an independent, our business is ideally placed for continued organic growth within dynamic sectors across our estate agency, auction, commercial businesses and financial services.”

Rob Farnham and Paul Lea acquired The Venmore Group in 2008: In a joint statement, they said: “It’s a big role and one that Mark has already demonstrated that he’s fully qualified and capable of doing with passion, energy and with an attention to detail in customer service by growing Venmore.”

Mr Russell added: “From a personal viewpoint I came to the business several years ago having previously worked within the agency sector in Merseyside. The main draw to the company was the culture of empowering its employees to grow and flourish within the group which I am a good example of.

“The future is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing the business and all of our fantastic employees continue to go from strength to strength.”