Savills has announced the promotion of Robin Howeson to head of auctions, effective from 1 January 2022. Currently a senior director within Savills Auctions, Howeson will take over from Chris Coleman-Smith, who founded the team 23 years ago.
Howeson led the successful migration of Savills Auctions into a new live-stream online format at the start of the first coronavirus national lockdown in March 2020. The new format has allowed Savills to hold a greater number of auctions, provides more flexibility in responding to clients’ requirements and has significantly raised the firm’s average sale price to more than £400,000.
Paul Mooney, who joined Savills with Coleman-Smith, and Jeremy Lamb, who joined from BidX1 in April 2020, complete the senior management team supporting Howeson.
Coleman-Smith will continue to play a prominent role in the team in his new role as consultant auctioneer. He will continue to service his existing clients, make the occasional appearance on the rostrum and continue to represent Savills Auctions on the RICS Auctions Working Group.
Coleman-Smith said: “When we founded our auction department more than 20 years ago, we couldn’t imagine the phenomenal period of growth we’ve experienced, to become a market-leading property auctioneer.
“Over the past 18 months, this success has only accelerated, growing turnover and market share, with Robin playing an absolutely key role in this. While stepping back from running the team, I am not going far and am looking forward to continuing to work with our many loyal clients.”
Howeson said: “I’d like to thank Chris for his incredible vision and commitment in building such a strong business, and I am delighted that he will continue to play a prominent role in our team.
“I am excited at the opportunity to continue to grow Savills Auctions as our clients entrust us to help them sell an ever-wider range of properties by value, geography and sector.”
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