People Roundup: Zillow, Adevinta

This week's People Roundup closes the loop on Adevinta's confusing management shakeup, but we'll start with a C-suite change at the very heart of American real estate.

Zillow C-Suite changes continue with new COO

Zillow has appointed Jun Choo as the firm's new Chief Operating Officer.

Choo, promoted from within after 10 years at Zillow, fills the void created by new CEO Jeremy Wacksman, who stepped into Rich Barton's role earlier this year.

Wacksman said:

"Jun has long been an instrumental leader in our company, consistently creating and scaling innovative solutions across our business.

"He has been a key driver of our numerous technology investments to digitize the industry. Under his leadership, we will expand the integrated transaction experience to more customers – agents, movers, and industry professionals – and offer them a better way to transact in real estate."

Meanwhile, two senior executives will depart Zillow imminently, with Susan Daimler and Matthew Daimler, president and chief product officer respectively, both leaving the company.

Wacksman added:

"We're grateful for both Susan and Matt's many contributions and leadership over the last 12 years.

"They've each had a tremendous impact on Zillow's growth and success and we wish them all the best."

Adevinta to operate without Group CEO in favour of "Demerged" approach

According to AIM Group, Adevinta's rumoured new CEO, Jacob Fonnesbech Aqraou, will, in fact, not be taking up the position.

AIM previously revealed that Aqraou was to be the new CEO of the conglomerate but has now updated its reporting to say that sources within Adevinta have confirmed that the marketplace giant has no need for a centralised CEO given the impending breakup of the business.

Adevinta owns marketplace businesses throughout Europe and it is understood that new owners, Permira and Blackstone, see the future of the company as a "demerged" entity with individual brands operating accordingly.

An anonymous source told AIM: "If you decentralize and everything goes back to the country level, you don’t need a CEO," while another said, "They want to dismantle Adevinta and sell it in pieces, so the CEO position is not really needed anymore."

However, it is still understood that Antoine Jouteau has indeed returned to Leboncoin after two years as CEO at Adevinta.