JULIE Westby, president of the National Association of Estate Agents, has announced the appointment of Peter Bolton King as the association's new chief executive.

Mr Bolton King, director at Bradford & Bingley Estate Agents, will take up his new role shortly.

He has been in the estate agency business for the last 29 years and is a Fellow member of the NAEA and a Fellow of the RICS.

Julie said: "I am delighted with Peter's appointment and am really looking forward to working with him. I am confident that his refreshing ideas and proven people and leadership skills will help drive the Association into a new and exciting era of development.

“His in-depth knowledge of the housing market, both from an independent and corporate perspective, will be an asset to the Association and a useful attribute when communicating with Government on the home information pack, licensing, tax thresholds and many other issues."

Peter Bolton King said: "This is an exciting opportunity for me - the National Association of Estate Agents holds a pivotal role in the sector and I shall relish the many challenges that the position will undoubtedly present in the future. I am very much looking forward to leading the Association and helping to increase its influence".