The world of property software CRMs has been shaken this morning following the resignation of Reapit CEO Gary Barker who is to join Purplebricks founder Michael Bruce’s new proptech business.
The 43-year-old’s departure follows 13 years leading Reapit and before that senior roles within Countrywide’s finance and IT teams.
“The time has come for me to take on the exciting challenge of a disruptive new venture, working alongside a formidable team with a genuinely compelling offer,” says Barker.
“I am looking forward to sharing our vision, and more details of the new brand, in due course.”
Barker is the first public hire by Michael Bruce for his new business, which is currently called ‘Launch B’ and due to reveal itself fully later this year. It has already signed up to Reapit’s Foundations platform.
Barker will be the company’s CEO but remain a shareholder in Reapit. He will also retain his involvement with Propertymark, Guild parent group epropservices and Agents Giving.
“I am delighted that I will be joining a very exciting new business, which will bring huge benefits and rewards to agents, and a much more engaging experience for them and consumers than anything that has ever been available before,” says Barker.
“We will be opening up the market more widely and giving everyone access to technology that makes interesting things happen and should bring the market alive.
“Launch B have attracted world class talent and done a fantastic job of creating and building a unique business, a compelling model and an impressive brand building marketing strategy.”
Michael Bruce (left), Executive Chairman of Launch B, says: “I am delighted to welcome Gary to the business and thrilled that he will be overseeing its launch.
“Our mission will help agents to determine and shape the future and put them at the forefront of innovation whilst materially advancing the experience for everyone looking to buy, sell or let property. I welcome a great leader and an enormous talent.”
Reapit reaction
“Throughout Gary’s tenure as CEO of Reapit, we have always appreciated his deep commitment to the PropTech space, to Reapit’s customers and our employees,” said Park Durrett, Managing Director of Accel-KKR and a member of Reapit’s board of directors.
“Since our investment in Reapit, the team has more than doubled the size of the business, expanded internationally and launched major industry innovations. Reapit’s strong management team is now poised to enter the next phase of growth through organic and strategic M&A opportunities.
Reapit is now on the hunt for a new CEO during a ‘managed transition’ phase and non-exec Reapit board member Adrian Gill (left) is filling Barker’s boots until a suitable candidate can be found.
Gill has spent the last twenty years in property services including 10 years at Connells Estate Agents before becoming CEO of LSL plc’s estate agencies.
After leaving LSL, he became Group CEO at Leaders Romans, a private equity-owned 150-branch estate agency. Gill has served on Reapit’s board of directors since 2019.
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