People Roundup: EmlakJet, Vend, Property Finder, Realestate.co.nz

There was an unexpected resignation in this week's news cycle, so that's where we'll start...

Europe: Emlakjet CEO departs after resignation

Tolga Idikat has resigned his position at Turkish real estate vertical EmlakJet after eight years at the helm.

He has been replaced by Ozgur Baba as acting CEO.

Idikat cited personal reasons for his departure. He told AIM Group:

“It was a mutual decision. There is obviously a need for new blood.”

EmlakJet announced it will accelerate its iBuying operation after a recent fundraising. It is one of the few portals worldwide to have maintained an interest in iBuying while other portals have pivoted away from it.

Vend appoints new EVP & CPTO

Maria Sandgren has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Product & Technology Officer at Vend, the newly rebranded Schibsted Marketplaces.

Sandgren was appointed following her interim tenure in 2024. She replaces Sven Størmer Thaulow, who left Vend this month.

Sandgren, who joined the company in 2021 as Chief Product Officer at Blocket, currently serves as SVP, CPO for Brand Experience and Marketplace Platform. She brings a mix of product and technology leadership experience, along with a strong understanding of Vend’s portfolio of marketplaces.

CEO Christian Printzell Halvorsen welcomed the appointment, saying: “Maria has already proven herself as a bold, forward-thinking leader with a strong drive for change, someone who challenges us to move faster and think differently. I’m excited about what we will achieve under her leadership.”

MENA: Property Finder appoints new CPO

Dubai-based real estate platform Property Finder has appointed Fernando Fanton as its new Chief Product Officer as it looks to accelerate growth and embed generative AI deeper into its product strategy.

Fanton brings experience from a string of consumer-facing tech companies. He most recently served as CPO at Monzo Bank in the UK and has held senior product and technology roles at Just Eat and Rappi. He also co-founded Brazilian auto marketplace Karvi.

Commenting on LinkedIn, Fanton said:

"At Property Finder, we’re building with three core principles: Start with GenAI-native experiences…to create products that are AI-native at their core, not just layered on; the customer as strategy—flawless end-to-end digital experience…powering the entire ecosystem; [and]…Speed as strategy—superior product velocity."

CEO Michael Lahyani welcomed the appointment, calling Fanton “an incredible asset and addition” and citing his “experience in scaling digital products globally”.

Oceania: Realestate.co.nz appoints new general manager

Realestate.co.nz has appointed Rishi Ankus as general manager for sales.

The appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring of the sales leadership team.

Ankus will be joined by a newly formed team of Sales Directors, including Tonia Dixon overseeing Auckland, Ryan Steven managing Central & South regions, and Karl Bradford handling Commercial and Business Development.

Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, said the appointment of Mr Ankus in the current property market landscape is strategic.

"Rishi has proven experience of building high-performing teams and delivering commercial impact," she said.