International property firm appoints new chief executive

A property firm based in the South West has appointed a new chief executive.

The international property portal Kyero has announced the appointment of Gemma Coles as the company’s new boss.

Gemma is taking over the leadership role from founders Martin and Louise Dell who set the business up in 2003 with an initial investment of just £5,000.

Over the last two decades Kyero has since grown to become the largest international property portal in the UK, with over 750,000 properties for sale across Europe, and a turnover of £4m.

It works with over 10,000 estate agents across Spain, Portugal, Italy and France, including Re/Max, Century 21, Engel & Völkers, Coldwell Banker, IAD and Taylor Wimpey.

Louise Dell said: “Gemma has delivered consistent and impressive growth across the business over the last three years despite a series of significant challenges within the international property market.

“At the same time, she has always ensured that Kyero’s founding ethos as a business with heart and soul has always been at the forefront, not least through her leading the work to achieve B Corp status in 2022.

“The potential for the business moving forward is significant as we look to strengthen and expand our foothold in all four territories, and with Gemma at the helm, and the exceptionally talented global team working alongside her, we are confident that we will achieve our ambitious growth targets over the coming years.”

Gemma Coles added: “Despite the significant recent growth of the business, we remain nimble and well-positioned to respond to the considerable opportunity that exists in the market, particularly as data suggests that buyer confidence in the overseas market is high compared to some domestic markets.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of CEO, and proud to be driving growth with such a talented team.”

Coles joined the company as managing director three years ago having previously been MD at Bristol consultancy and app designer Mubaloo where she led a 50-strong team and built strategic partnerships with the likes of Apple and EE.

She was responsible for key client accounts including Channel 4, RAC, the Met Office and Hargreaves Lansdown.

Coles also helped to position the company for acquisition by IPG Mediabrands.

As well as achieving B Corp status in 2022 Kyero also supports Spanish homeless charity Hogar Si RAIS.