Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Winkworth Faces Leadership Turmoil Amid Family Power Struggle
Winkworth, a leading UK agency franchise, is reportedly in turmoil as family members at the top of the company battle for control. The company has initiated High Court proceedings against its current chair and former Chief Executive, Simon Agace, for breach of confidentiality.
According to The Negotiator, Simon Agace’s wife, Irene Ho Kim Lee, who holds a 34% stake in the company, reportedly attempted to oust the current board at Winkworth’s AGM in May. CityAM reports that she is leading efforts to replace the board, while Simon Agace seeks to appoint a board of his choosing and has warned he will call a shareholder meeting to pursue this aim.
Dominic Agace, Simon Agace’s son, has served as Winkworth’s Chief Executive since 2004, taking over from his father. Both men led the company onto the stock market in 2009. In a statement to the City, Winkworth confirmed that the decision to commence legal proceedings was approved by directors entitled to participate, following independent legal advice.
A Winkworth spokesperson told The Negotiator that it is unfortunate the matter has reached this stage, and that the company would not comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Last month, Winkworth reported that sales in the first half of 2026 remained resilient, closely tracking the strong start achieved in 2025. However, earlier in the year, the company’s shares fell by 8% after a reported profit fall of 11% last year. Winkworth’s full-year results for 2025 showed profits dropped and revenue was flat.
This ongoing leadership dispute and legal action may be of interest to UK letting agents and inventory clerks monitoring the stability and direction of major property franchise groups.
Source: The Negotiator