LRG has announced a series of senior leadership changes within its Lettings division, strengthening its structure as the business focuses on retention, growth and operational performance in 2026.
The changes build on a year of strong progress across the division, including the successful rollout of a single CRM platform across the core estate. As the business continues to evolve, the updated leadership structure is designed to support closer alignment between teams, improve operational efficiency and reinforce LRG’s focus on attracting and retaining business.
Allison Thompson’s role has evolved to Chief Lettings Officer. She retains overall accountability for the Lettings division, with increased focus on refining processes, strengthening the operating model and supporting the business through the transition to the new regulatory framework under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Richard O’Neill has been promoted to National Lettings Managing Director. In his new role, he will focus on accelerating new business performance across the division, working closely with the Managing Directors and Regional teams to drive growth.
In addition, Sophie Durkin has been promoted to Managing Director for the LRG Central region, stepping into Richard’s previous role and continuing to support the performance and development of the division across the Romans, Moginie James, Gibbs Gillepsie and Portico brands.
The leadership changes are supported by internal operational alignment across the division, designed to streamline processes, strengthen collaboration between teams and create a more efficient, joined-up way of working.
Allison Thompson, Chief Lettings Officer, commented, “Taking on the role of Chief Lettings Officer is a reflection of the progress we’ve made as a division over the past year. Importantly, the additional support in the structure gives me the opportunity to focus more closely on how we operate as a whole, from our processes and systems through to the consistency of the service we deliver. As we move towards the Renters’ Rights Act, that clarity and alignment will be critical.
“We have a strong platform in place, and this next phase is about building on that, supporting our teams and making sure we are set up to deliver sustainable growth over the long term.”
Richard O’Neill, National Lettings Managing Director, commented, “I’m excited to step into this role and take on the responsibility of delivering performance across the division. We’ve built strong momentum, and there’s a clear opportunity now to accelerate that further.
“For me, it’s about working closely with our regional teams and branches to turn that momentum into consistent new business growth, while continuing to strengthen the relationships we have with landlords across the network. We have the scale and capability to do this well, and I’m looking forward to leading that next phase.”
Sophie Durkin, Managing Director (Central), commented, “This is a great opportunity for me personally, and one I’m really motivated to make the most of. Having worked closely with the teams, I understand what drives performance and where we can continue to improve.
“My focus is on supporting our branches, developing our people and making sure we continue to deliver strong, consistent results across the region. There’s already a solid foundation in place, and I’m looking forward to building on that and contributing to the wider success of the division.”
The changes reflect LRG’s continued commitment to developing talent from within while ensuring the business is well positioned for its next phase of growth.
