Lee Wainwright has been appointed CEO of the Purplebricks’ UK operations with immediate effect.

He has served as chief operations officer (COO) since 15 March 2017.

Wainwright joined Purplebricks following a 26-year career with Countrywide PLC where he was a divisional managing director for 12 years with responsibility for the growth and strategic development of a number of its brands and divisions. He joined Countrywide as a trainee estate agent direct from school.

As COO of Purplebricks, Wainwright has overseen the development of the company’s operational and customer service teams and systems to support its expansion and next stage of growth.

Michael Bruce, group chief executive, said: “We are very fortunate to have someone of Lee’s experience and track record in the industry heading up our UK business. He brings with him extensive leadership and industry expertise from his senior roles at Countrywide, and has already demonstrated his value in his time as COO at Purplebricks.

“Having grown to be one of the leading estate agents in the country in such a short period of time brings with it the need to develop and scale‐up our people and capabilities in customer service, recruitment, training, and build a broader business offering. We are committed to delivering the highest levels of customer service through a resourceful and agile technology platform and our talented pool of employees and management.

“I believe that Lee is the best person to lead this expansion and to grow the strong culture that exists in our special business.”