Dexters has drafted in grocery industry heavyweight Justin King to provide support and guidance to the business.

King, who is also a non-executive director at Marks & Spencer, is also known for helping to transform Asda into a market-leading business.

The 61-year-old joins Dexters as new chairman of the estate agency group.

King, who has also served in senior positions at major companies including Häagen-Dazs, PepsiCo, and Mars, will work closely with Andy Shepherd, CEO of Dexters, as the group seeks to accelerate its growth from its existing London-wide network of over 70 offices.

King, credited for turning Sainsbury’s around during his decade-long tenure at the iconic British retailer, will also support Dexters in its efforts to further develop its digital capabilities.

In 2011, King was awarded a CBE, while in 2013, he was named Most Admired Business Leader by Management Today as well as Britain’s Most Impressive Businessman in the IPSOS-MORI Captains of Industry Report.

In June 2022, DEXTERS issued its 2021 Report and Accounts which showed a 32% rise in revenue to £143.3m (2020: £108.7m) and a 75% increase in operating profit to £40.6m (2020: £23.2m).

Dexters has expanded the office network through new partnerships with local market leaders, the opening of new estate agency offices, and the creation of more jobs, in recent years.

The company, which currently serves over 30,000 Landlords and facilitates more than 28,000 property transactions across London annually, has maintained consistent growth, increasing revenue by 15% per year over the last 10 years.

King commented: “I have been impressed by the leadership team and the company’s strong culture which puts its customers at the heart of everything they do. I look forward to working with the team at Dexters on opportunities to enhance their customer engagement and grow market share.

“The group is in a strong financial position reflected by consistent annual revenue growth, strong operating profits, good cash reserves, and proven strategy for expansion through acquisitions, new office openings, and investment in digital development.”

Andy Shepherd, CEO of Dexters, said: “We are extremely pleased that Justin King has chosen to join Dexters as our new independent chairman. Justin is highly respected in the city and within the business community, known for his dynamic leadership at Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Asda, amongst others.

“We will value Justin’s input into how we can further build the Dexters brand and continue to strengthen the customer journey. Dexters is respected and trusted by both Londoners and international customers and clients.

“Our ongoing office expansion has created a strong foundation for further investment into the business and our people.”