Ian Crabb, most recently executive chairman of Learndirect where he worked closely with Lloyds Development Capital on Learndirect’s growth strategy, will join the group to take over the role.
Embley said: "I am delighted to welcome Ian as group chief executive and I look forward to working with him as we continue to grow and develop LSL. Ian has a wealth of experience in growing entrepreneurial businesses in both B2B and B2C markets and is therefore the ideal candidate to enable LSL to capitalise on the market recovery."
Earlier, Crabb was a member of the Industrial Advisory Board at Permira Advisers LLP and worked on major transactions including the €640m buy out of Hogg Robinson.
Prior to this he was chief executive of IKON Office Solutions, the document management and office products provider for six years, delivering significant growth both organically and through several acquisitions.
Embley, who has been group chief executive for 12 years, said he will ensure a smooth handover and maintain LSL’s focus on the execution of its strategy to continue to deliver value to its shareholders.
Chairman of the board Roger Matthews said: "The proposed changes reflect the board's desire to implement an orderly succession to a new group chief executive whilst retaining Simon's significant knowledge of the residential property market and, in particular, maintaining key client and industry relationships.”
Crabb said: "I am delighted to be joining LSL at this exciting stage in its development. I look forward to working with Simon and the team to continue to grow and develop the business from the strong platform in place."
