Zoopla has appointed former senior executive Paul Whitehead (main picture) as new CEO after returning from fallen online car retailer Cazoo.
The failure to bid to disrupt the auto trade with a focus on second-hand cars was the brainchild of Alex Chesterman, also the founder of Zoopla. 
Whitehead will work with parent company Houseful CEO Charlie Bryant to help the portal in a fight with RightMove and Onthemet agents.
Until recently, Zoopla was a part of Houseful and had no unique CEOs and CFOs. Recently, it was operationally separated from Housefull and has now been decided to “give Zoopla a dedicated leadership.”
Bryant will focus on Houseful's real estate data company Hometrack.
Advisory capacity
Whitehead was CEO and COO of Cazoo, which was released in 2019. After leaving Zoopla in 2018, he first served as commercial director for USWITC before being sold to ZPG before joining Cazoo.
Whitehead has worked with Zoopla on advisory capabilities for the past three months before taking on the role of CEO. Portal has also announced the internal appointment of Sam Fletcher as Chief Financial Officer.
Key Customers
Three major customers signed new contracts last month, earning “wins” for real estate agent branches in the first quarter and 450 quarters, according to the portal.
One of these new customers includes Leader Roma Group. The Roman group chose to return to Onsemer a year later.
Chief Operating Officer Rich Hayes will continue to lead the daily business operations. Meanwhile, Alex Rose has been appointed commercial director.
We are delighted to return to Zoopla, a UK digital business with an incredible brand. ”
Whitehead said: “We are delighted to return to Zoopla, a UK digital business with incredible brands and consumer experiences over the past 17 years that attract millions of consumers each month.
“My focus is on Zoopla's clear competitive advantage in providing high-quality buyers and vendors to its customers,” he says.
“Our customers have won this year and are talking volumes about the results Zoopla has consistently delivered.
“We are delighted to welcome Sam Fletcher to Zoopla. She is already very knowledgeable about our business and we look forward to working closely together.”
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