International property specialist Chestertons has appointed Russell Owen, an industry veteran, as the head of agency for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

Based in the company’s Middle East headquarters in Dubai, UAE, Owen will be responsible for leading the expansion of Chestertons’ sales and leasing portfolios, said a statement from the company.

Owen, who brings over 13 years of real estate and property experience, has an impressive track record having worked with a range of companies from small, privately-owned firms to large corporate multi-nationals, where he developed expertise in disciplines including residential sales and leasing, brokerage services, marketing, reorganisation and restructuring.

Prior to joining Chestertons, Owen held senior positions in his native Britain and in Dubai. Following two years in the UK where Owen set up and managed his own residential sales and leasing agency in Cheshire, he joined the largest real estate brokerage in Dubai, specialising in sales of high-end villas.

Welcoming the appointment, Robin Teh, the acting managing director and country manager, UAE, said: "Owen’s track record in the real estate market speaks for itself. His ability to increase revenue and generate sales makes him an important asset to the company, particularly as we continue to consolidate our position in the market and eye further growth throughout the region."

"Russell’s experience will be a key driver in ensuring we achieve our business goals," he added.

Russell, who is a member of Rera, and has previously been a member of the National Association Estate Agents (NAEA); Association Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA); National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP); and The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) commented:

On his new role, Owen said: "The Chestertons brand has been in existence for some 200 years and has built a strong reputation from both a global and a Middle Eastern perspective. The importance of the real estate industry is intensifying as we edge closer to Expo 2020."

"I look forward to working with the Chestertons team to capitalise on these opportunities, to further develop our sales and leasing credentials and expand our footprint in the region," he added.

Headquartered in Dubai, Chestertons Mena operates four offices in the region, covering the whole GCC region – with over 100 employees in total.-TradeArabia New Service