Santa Fe Relocation has appointed Runar Nilsen as its new CEO. He replaces Yann Blandy, who has been in the position for three years.
In a statement released to its partners, the company said Nilsen will assume the role from January 16, 2023. He has been deputy CEO since 2019 and ‘has co-led our transformation together with Yann Blandy’. Blandy will remain at Santa Fe in a ‘more focused role’, Executive Chairman of the Board.
Blandy said: ‘I am very pleased that Runar Nilsen has accepted to be appointed CEO of Santa Fe Relocation. With his many years of experience, he has great insight in both leadership, market, and customers, which is valuable in the next chapter of developing our company.’
Nilsen said: ‘In only three years, Santa Fe Relocation has gone from financial struggles into growth and profitability. Despite significant interruptions due to COVID, Santa Fe Relocation has made great progress, and now we are ready to present a new leadership team with even more industry competency and geared towards profitable growth rather than heavily focused on restructuring.’
As part of the changes, James Gooding, Santa Fe’s current Managing Director for North Asia has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MOVE and joins the company’s global leadership team. Gooding will continue as North Asia lead, overseeing agent and partner relations globally, MOVE operations in the US, and ESG.
Julia Palmer has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and will continue to serve as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RELO.
Nick Malcomson takes over legal and compliance, as well as vendor management and procurement; this is in addition to his existing CFO responsibilities.
Olivier Jourdan will head up customer experience (CX), including implementation, in addition to his CCO responsibilities.
In his new role, Blandy will continue to engage directly with partners and agents and attend industry conferences to represent Santa Fe. He will remain the executive sponsor of his existing key clients and continue as Chairman of Sanelo.
