Leaders Romans Group (LRG) has overhauled its lettings leadership structure as it positions the business for tighter regulation and renewed competition for landlords in 2026.
The changes follow a period of operational consolidation across the group, including the rollout of a single CRM platform and come as agents prepare for the incoming Renters’ Rights Act, which will fundamentally reshape tenancy management and compliance obligations.
LRG said the new structure is designed to improve alignment between regional and central teams, drive new business and strengthen retention at a time when landlord sentiment remains fragile amid ongoing legislative change.
At the centre of the restructure, Allison Thompson (main picture, left) has been promoted to Chief Lettings Officer, taking on a broader strategic remit across the division. The role will focus on operational consistency, process refinement and preparing the business for the new regulatory framework.
CLEAR INTENT
Richard O’Neill (main picture, right) steps up to National Lettings Managing Director, with responsibility for driving performance and new business growth across the network, working alongside regional leadership teams.
Sophie Durkin has been promoted to Managing Director for the Central region, assuming responsibility for performance across a number of LRG’s core brands, including Romans, Moginie James, Gibbs Gillespie and Portico.
The move signals a clear intent from LRG to tighten operational control while pushing for growth, as agents balance compliance demands with the need to maintain landlord portfolios and win new instructions.
The restructuring also reinforces a broader trend across the sector, with larger agency groups investing in centralised systems and leadership to manage increasing regulatory complexity and margin pressure.
STRONG PLATFORM
Thompson says: “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.”
STRONG MOMENTUM
O’Neill adds: “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.”
DRIVING PERFORMANCE
And Durkin says: “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.”
