People Roundup: Swiss Marketplace Group, Trade Me, REA Group, Habi

This week's People Roundup starts with sea change at SMG...

Europe: Swiss Marketplace Group CEO steps down, replacement already named

Christoph Tonini has decided to step down as CEO at SMG as of 31 December 2026, with Alberto Sanz de Lama, currently head of Automotive at the Group, appointed new CEO as of 1 January 2027.

Meanwhile, Jörn Nikolay stepped down as Chairman of the Board, with Tonini himself expected to be nominated and appointed Chairman after his tenure as CEO, including guiding the Group through last year's IPO.

Tonini said:

"After almost four years as CEO, leading SMG through a major transformation and successful IPO, I feel we have reached a natural point for me to transition out of the operational leadership. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Board, the Executive Leadership Team, and every employee for their incredible dedication and hard work during this journey. With a clear strategy and strong momentum, SMG has significant opportunities ahead. I have full confidence in Alberto to lead this next chapter, and we will work closely to ensure a smooth handover. I remain fully committed to SMG and look forward to contributing as Chairman, subject to shareholder approval."

Sanz de Lama said:

"I am honoured to continue executing SMG’s strategy. As we deepen customer value and scale innovation within a disciplined financial framework, our focus will remain on turning the strength of our platforms, brands and talented people into tangible benefits for our customers and partners. We will continue to invest selectively in the capabilities that matter most, while maintaining the agility and financial discipline that underpin our performance. I am confident that, together with the Executive Leadership Team, the Board of Directors and all SMG employees, we will successfully drive our next phase of growth and create lasting value for our stakeholders."

Jörn Nikolay said:

"Now is the right time for me to hand over the chairmanship. The company has a strong strategic position and continues to perform well operationally and financially. We have also built a strong board and finalized the CEO succession. I want to thank the shareholders for the trust they have placed in me and for five fantastic years of working together. My thanks also go to the management team and my fellow board members."

iBuyer Habi appoints new Chief Commercial Officer

The Colombian iBuyer Habi has named Salomón Stroh as the company's new CCO. He joins from Uber, where he was head of vehicle suppliers for Latin America.

Commenting on LinkedIn, Stroh said:

"For some months now, I have had the opportunity to learn from the inside the incredible work that Habi does: enabling opportunities for thousands of people by transforming the way we buy and sell housing in Latin America. I am excited to take on this new challenge as Chief Commercial Officer, with the honor of being part of this history and continuing to deliver our mission of making buying and selling a home increasingly simple, transparent and accessible."

Habi operates in over 20 territories in Colombia and Mexico, as well as Madrid.

Oceania: Trade Me appoints ex-REA exec as CEO

Trade Me, the leading general classifieds in New Zealand, has appointed Kul Singh as CEO, shortly after he departed his role as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at REA Group.

Commenting on LinkedIn, Singh said:

"25 years ago, I left New Zealand and today, I'm incredibly excited to share that I'm coming home to join Trade Me as CEO.

"Trade Me is much more than a company. For generations of kiwi, it has been part of everyday life. A place where we've bought, sold, searched, discovered and connected. Many people have contributed to Trade Me's success and in particular I want to congratulate Anders Skoe on everything he and the team have achieved over the years. Trade Me is not just a strong business and much-loved brand, but a community of people with a mission to support New Zealand's economy and commercial culture. Thank you to Steven Kooyers, Apax and the Board for giving me the opportunity to join this team and help write the next chapter of Trade Me's story."

Trade Me has over two million automotives, ninety thousand properties, and ten thousand jobs currently posted on its website. Other categories include antiques, arts, clothing, computers, baby gear, and books.

REA Group names new Chief AI Officer

Thyago Liberalli has been named Chief AI Officer at REA Group, bringing twenty years of experience in AI, data and technology to the Group.

He joins from SEEK, a global leader in employment marketplaces, where he has spent the past 13 years.

An announcement on REA Group's LinkedIn page said Liberalli joins, "at an exciting moment as we deepen what AI delivers across our business, building products and capabilities that create real, measurable value for our customers, consumers, and our team."