People Roundup: SMG, Scout24, Zoopla, Rightmove

This week's roundup features major leadership changes in Switzerland and the UK...

Europe: SMG Director of Real Estate steps down, Scout24 veteran incoming

Martin Weaeber has stepped down from his position as Director of Real Estate at Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG), with Scout24 Germany Managing Director Daniel Hendel named as his successor.

Hendel, who has been with Scout24 for 15 years, will join in February 2027, with Waeber transitioning out of his operational responsibilities into an advisory role by April.

Meanwhile, Chief Corporate Officer Jessica List has also decided to leave SMG at the end of April 2027, with her responsibilities being distributed between the CEO and CFO.

Christoph Tonini, CEO of SMG, said:

"I would like to express my profound gratitude to both Jessica and Martin for the trusting and successful collaboration over the past years. Both have shown great passion and leadership during crucial phases of our company’s growth. On behalf of the entire Executive Leadership Team, I wish them both the very best for their future endeavours. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Daniel to our team. With his extensive international marketplace experience, he is the ideal fit to seamlessly continue our success in the Real Estate sector.”

Tonini is an outgoing CEO himself, with SMG's Head of Automotive Alberto Sanz de Lama set to step in January 2027. Tonini is expected to become Chairman of the Board, replacing the outgoing Jörn Nikolay.

Scout24 names Hendel replacement

Daniel Hendel, who is moving to SMG (see above), will be replaced as Managing Director for ImmoScout24 by Nicolas Cheron, currently a VP for Product at the German marketplace operator. Most recently, as Vice President of Product, Cheron led the Professional Business.

Cheron has been at the Group for over 15 years, and will take up his new position at the beginning of October. He will lead ImmoScout24 alongside Dr Gesa Crockford.

Ralf Weitz, CEO at Scout24, said:

"We are appointing a strong leader from within our own ranks to the management board. [Cheron] combines deep product expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset and a clear focus on growth. Nicolas knows ImmoScout24 from many different perspectives and has helped shape the development of our platform over many years. I am very pleased that he is now taking on this responsibility and will continue to drive ImmoScout24 forward."

United Kingdom: Zoopla COO departs after three years

Richard Hayes has left Zoopla to pursue his own business interests after three years as Chief Operating Officer at the UK's number-two portal.

According to reporting by The Negotiator, Hayes said he decided to leave the portal so he could "lead a business again."

A Zoopla spokesperson said:

"Rich Hayes has decided to move on from Zoopla after three years as COO, he leaves to pursue his ambition of leading a business again. We thank him for his contribution and wish him well."

Zoopla did not say when or if a new COO would be appointed.

Rightmove appoints two board members

Rosemary Leith (Senior Independent Director) and David Thomas (Independent Non-Executive Director) have been appointed to Rightmove's board as part of the Audit, Remuneration, Nomination and CSR Committees.

Leith will join the board in October as a non-executive director, and will transition to an independent senior director in January 2027.

Thomas will join the board in January 2027.

Andrew Fisher, Chair of Rightmove, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Rosemary and David to the Board. As Rightmove continues to deliver AI and technology innovation to provide even greater value to our partners and home movers, Rosemary’s deep experience at the frontier of technology and digital governance will be invaluable in helping us maintain our position as a thought leader in this space.

"David brings significant leadership experience of the UK’s largest housebuilders, giving the Board first-hand insight into the property industry and customers we serve. Together, their appointments strengthen both the technology and sector expertise of our Board as we continue to execute our strategy. I would also like to thank Jacqueline de Rojas and Amit Tiwari for their significant contributions to the Board throughout their tenures and to the success of Rightmove.”

North America: Zillow appoints new exec to replace outgoing Chief Accounting Officer

Rikki Tremblay has been named VP, Principal Accounting Officer at Zillow to replace the outgoing Chief Accounting Officer Jennifer Rock, who is set to retire.

Tremblay has been at the company for nearly 12 years, joining as a manager for financial reporting.

Rock will stay at Zillow until March 2027 to help oversee Tremblay's transition.