Estate agency and property group Andrews has made two significant appointments to its board as it looks to continue its growth into 2015.
The Keynsham-based group has recruited Paul Bumford from Legal & General to become managing director its financial services business. 
Paul, pictured right, brings more than 30 years’ experience in a career that covers stints with TSB Trust Company and Countrywide as well as Legal & General, where he spent 10 years working closely with the team at Andrews.
Paul takes over the role from Chris Chapman, who headed the financial services business for 17 years.
An Andrews veteran with 33 years’ service at the firm, Chris, pictured below, has now moved to take on leadership of the entire Andrews Estate Agents branch network, its land and new homes business, and its fine & country operations in Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham and Oxfordshire.
He said: “I’ve had a wonderful experience over the last 17 years, but to have a new challenge ahead is something I’m very much looking forward to. 
“I know the estate agency part of Andrews very well and it’s a sector going through big changes at the moment so it’s an exciting time to be joining. We’ve been recognised as one of the leading large agencies nationwide, so I feel confident that we’ll deal with the path ahead with our usual levels of success.”
Group chief executive Michael Robson added: “Making two appointments to the board is a significant move for the whole group.
“It is vital that if we’re to continue to enjoy the success of recent years, we have the necessary skills and experience at the top to navigate the changes that the industry is going through.
“Paul is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced senior financial services specialist with the benefit of having worked on the inside. He has an unparalleled understanding of regulations, compliance and standards and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“Paul’s length of service with the Andrews Group, meanwhile, is almost unrivaled and his depth of experience across the whole property sector will serve him well as he moves to look after this significant area of our business.”
Andrews aims to mark its 70th anniversary this year by taking its 54-strong branch network, which stretches from Kent, Sussex and Surrey to Bristol and Gloucestershire, to 70.
