Alison Platt has been appointed as group chief executive of Countrywide plc, effective from 1 September 2014, subject to the approval of the Financial Conduct Authority.

With effect from that date, Grenville Turner, current group chief executive will become non-executive chairman and David Watson will become deputy chairman and senior independent director.

Platt (pictured) joins from Bupa where she has spent more than 20 years in a range of senior roles, including managing director of its UK, Europe and North America Division. Most recently She was managing director of Bupa’s International Development Markets business where she grew revenues to over £1bn and led more than 11,000 people serving around nine million customers in a wide range of markets and businesses.

She said: “I am excited to be joining such an ambitious company as Countrywide and becoming part of the talented team that helps more people than anyone else in the UK move home. I am looking forward to working with our award winning employees to provide a first class service to all our customers and helping the Group become even more successful.

“I firmly believe that there are significant opportunities available for Countrywide as an integrated player to further strengthen its business and performance through the recovery of the UK property market. I look forward to helping navigate the Group through this exciting period of growth for the benefit of our customers, employees and shareholders.”

Turner added: “I am delighted to be welcoming Alison to the Group and to be handing over responsibility to such a proven and energetic individual. In assuming the role of non-executive chairman I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and supporting the new group chief executive through the next chapter of the Group’s journey.”