HLPartnership has appointed estate agency executive Jon Cooke as a board adviser, in a move aimed at strengthening ties between estate agents and its mortgage and protection network.
Cooke (pictured) brings more than 30 years of experience in estate agency, business growth and mergers and acquisitions.
He founded Fine & Country in the early 2000s and helped build it into a global network of more than 300 licensed offices. He also served as a non-executive director at The Guild of Property Professionals and was involved in the 2024 transaction that brought both brands under The Property Franchise Group.
His career has also included senior roles at the point where property and technology meet, including as chief executive of nurtur.group, which provides technology services to estate agencies and financial services firms.
Cooke has also held non-executive positions at a number of investment-backed property businesses, including Lomond and iamproperty, and previously served as managing director of Your Move.
He is also a non-executive director at BetterHome Group, which made a strategic investment in HLPartnership in 2024.
Cooke said: “The property transaction process can take longer than it should, particularly where progress depends on multiple parties and multiple handovers.
“There is a real opportunity to improve how the chain operates by strengthening partnerships between estate agency firms and mortgage advice firms, so information is captured earlier, communication is more consistent, and avoidable delays are reduced.
“HLPartnership is an innovative mortgage and protection network with the scale, infrastructure and ambition to improve the property transaction process.
“What also stands out is the strength of its technology platform and its commitment to continued development.
“I look forward to supporting the board and leadership team as they strengthen the connection between the network and the estate agency community, helping customers access regulated advice at the right time and move through the process more efficiently.”
Christopher Tanner, chief executive of HLPartnership, added: “Jon brings a rare combination of estate agency leadership, M&A and technology-enabled growth experience.
“His insight will support the board as we strengthen links between the estate agency community and our network, improve efficiency across the house-buying chain and deliver good consumer outcomes.”
