'Change agent' businessman credited with Hunter Boots revival takes key role at Edinburgh property institution

A high-profile businessman credited with turning welly brand Hunter Boots into a global fashion success story is taking up a key role at one of Scotland’s longest-established property firms.

Experienced business leader Malcolm Cannon has joined Edinburgh residential property firm Simpson & Marwick. Picture: Susie Lowe

Malcolm Cannon, who most recently helped restructure the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Scotland, has taken up a new role as managing director, property services with Simpson & Marwick in Edinburgh.

The residential property, estate agency and conveyancing firm has been one of most recognisable names in the capital since 1886.

With a CV that includes the likes of the ESPC and Scottish Cricket, Cannon is credited with the reinvention of Hunter Boots, encouraging celebrities such as Kate Moss to wear its products, sparking a turnaround in fortunes.

He said: “What a privilege it will be to be part of a name like Simpson & Marwick. Highly-respected in the property market and with a committed and experienced staff, it has the opportunity and ambition to expand geographically and through its range of customer services.

“The scale and infrequency of the transaction makes selling a house different from any other personal business, and it is vital that every customer feels reassured by the experts handling their affairs.

“Clients expect a different relationship nowadays, and we will use state-of-the-art technology to engage better throughout the sales and purchasing journey while keeping our sellers and buyers better-informed.”

Cannon’s previous property experience includes four years as chief executive of the ESPC, steering it through a turbulent period following the banking crisis.

Rob Aberdein, managing partner of Simpson & Marwick, said: “In the Scottish business community Malcolm is widely recognised as an effective change agent. He has worked in five different sectors – food and drink, the legal sector, fashion, property and sports – and has held CEO roles in four of these.

“His credentials are unrivalled and those are the skills he will bring to helping us successfully navigate the changes which are coming to the residential property market.”

Simpson & Marwick chairman Richard Loudon added: “We have a very talented team in place and they will all benefit from Malcolm’s insights and wisdom. We are understandably delighted to have him on board as the firm readies for significant growth and development.”

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