Cooke brings more than three decades of experience in estate agency leadership, growth strategy and mergers and acquisitions.

He founded Fine & Country in the early 2000s and helped build it into a global network of more than 300 licensed offices.

He also served as a non-executive director at The Guild of Property Professionals and played a key role in the 2024 transaction that brought both brands under The Property Franchise Group.

In addition, Cooke has worked at the intersection of property and technology, including as chief executive of nurtur.group.

He has held non-executive roles across a number of investment-backed property businesses, including Lomond and iamproperty, and previously served as managing director of Your Move.

Cooke is also a non-executive director at BetterHome Group, which made a strategic investment in HLPartnership in 2024.

Commenting on his appointment, Cooke says: “There is a real opportunity to improve how the chain operates by strengthening partnerships between estate agency firms and mortgage advice firms, so information is captured earlier, communication is more consistent, and avoidable delays are reduced.”

“HLPartnership is an innovative mortgage and protection network with the scale, infrastructure and ambition to improve the property transaction process. What also stands out is the strength of its technology platform and its commitment to continued development.”

“I look forward to supporting the board and leadership team as they strengthen the connection between the network and the estate agency community, helping customers access regulated advice at the right time and move through the process more efficiently.”

HLPartnership chief executive Christopher Tanner adds: “Jon brings a rare combination of estate agency leadership, M&A and technology-enabled growth experience.”

“His insight will support the board as we strengthen links between the estate agency community and our network, improve efficiency across the house-buying chain and deliver good consumer outcomes.”