Ex-Boomin and Reapit figure takes new Lettings sector job

Gary Barker - the ex-Reapit supremo who controversially did not take up the role of chief executive at Boomin - is now to be chief technology officer at industry supplier The Lettings Hub.

In July 2015 Barker announced he was leaving Reapit, where he had spent over 15 years including approaching three as chief executive. He was to have taken up to Boomin CEO post but in September it was announced that he had chosen not to do so.

Now his new role at The Lettings Hub will see him be a leading technology figure for lettings agents.

He says: “Having spent over 15 years delivering tech that enables the lettings market, I am really impressed by The Lettings Hub tenancy progression platform, BOX. The last 12 months has seen the business make some significant – and impressive – tech developments and I’m excited to be able to be part of the next phase of BOX. 

“Letting agents need solutions that reduce the costs and time of on-boarding tenants and digitises the lettings consumer journey to make it far easier for tenants and landlords. The innovative Property Passport solution also stood out to me as I can see a huge opportunity to improve the portal and lead enquiry process by providing agents with pre-vetted applicants at a time when there are eight applicants per property”. 

The Lettings Hub chief executive, Heidi Shackell, adds: “Gary’s CV, industry experience and history speaks for itself. There isn’t much he doesn’t know about PropTech or the property industry, and we’re confident he will lead our innovation team to continue to deliver the best pre-tenancy journey, products, and tech to both our existing and new clients. 

“Value and efficiency for our clients drives every decision we make about BOX, and Gary has a wealth of experience in delivering tech solutions that remove challenges and barriers for letting agents – the two go hand in hand and we’re confident for the future.”