The Commercial Property Network (The CPN) has announced a new leadership structure, marking the next exciting phase in its continued evolution and growth.
Following five years of transformation, innovation, and expansion, Samantha Johnson of Vickery Holman has been appointed President of The CPN, with Fergus Laird of Naylors Gavin Black moving into the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer.
Together, Sam and Fergus will lead The CPN through a period of continued growth — strengthening relationships across the network, expanding the organisation’s reach, and ensuring that members continue to benefit from shared opportunity and collaboration.
A Network Going from Strength to Strength
Over recent years, The CPN has developed significantly, with a new brand, website, and a growing number of members and network partners across the UK. Its nationwide valuations offering has continued to expand, successfully delivering valuations and other professional services to organisations including Curtis Banks, James Hay, and Killik & Co.
The creation of a CEO role for the first time in the network’s 60-year history reflects The CPN’s growing scale and professionalism, ensuring the organisation has the leadership capacity to support its members day-to-day and drive strategic growth for the future.
Showcasing the Scale of The CPN
As The CPN continues to grow, one of the organisation’s priorities for the coming year is raising awareness of the true scale and capacity of the network — something often overlooked in the wider industry.
Collectively, The CPN’s member firms:
- List more commercial properties for sale and to let than any other commercial property organisation in the UK.
- Manage more square feet of commercial property nationwide than any other provider, spanning offices, industrial estates, retail, mixed-use assets, and specialist schemes.
Individually, each member firm is a respected regional expert. Together, they form the largest, most capable, and most geographically comprehensive commercial property network in the country.
This scale gives The CPN a unique position in the market — combining national reach with genuine local insight. It’s one of the organisation’s greatest strengths, and a major focus of the leadership team will be ensuring that clients, partners, and the wider industry recognise the depth and breadth of what The CPN delivers.
Looking Forward — and Making History
Samantha Johnson’s appointment also marks a milestone moment — she becomes The CPN’s first female President in six decades. While this is not the focus of the announcement, it is an important reflection of how the network continues to evolve, modernise, and represent the diversity of talent across the commercial property sector.
Sam has been a key member of The CPN Board and has played a substantial role in building relationships and driving new business opportunities. Her leadership, alongside Fergus’s new role as CEO, ensures a strong foundation for The CPN’s next chapter.
Samantha Johnson, President of The CPN:
“It’s an honour to take on the presidency at such a pivotal time. The CPN has a proud history of collaboration and professionalism, and we’re entering a phase of real opportunity. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s focused on driving growth, supporting our members, and continuing to raise the network’s national profile.”
Fergus Laird, CEO of The CPN:
“This change represents a natural next step for The CPN. The introduction of a CEO role enables us to provide stronger support and more structure for our members, ensuring that we build on the incredible progress the network has made in recent years.”
A United Vision for the Future
With renewed leadership, a clear strategic direction, and unparalleled national capability, The CPN is well-positioned to continue its journey as the UK’s leading network of independent property professionals — connecting expertise, insight, and opportunity across every region of the country.