Colliers CRE has appointed Gareth Jones as its chief operating officer in the UK.

Jones, 52, is currently an executive director and head of Colliers’ specialist division, and will replace Tom Tidy, 60, who is retiring from the board.

Jones has worked at Colliers for 27 years, having joined Conrad Ritblat in 1981, as a surveyor in its leisure department after graduating from Reading University.

Tidy joined the group in 1994 after leaving Milner Estates where he was a finance director.

Sir John Ritblat, chairman at Colliers CRE, said: 'I am delighted to welcome Gareth to the Board. I have worked with him for many years and I am sure that he will make a significant contribution to the group'.

'However, I am saddened to see Tom retire. The board and I have benefited greatly over the years from his wise and measured counsel.'

David Izett, group chief executive, said: 'In this difficult economic climate, it is good to know that the board will be able to access Gareth's long experience of our cyclical markets and his proven ability to add value to the group'.

'I have very much enjoyed and benefited from working side by side with Tom since 2000. I will miss him greatly and I hope that he will remain involved with the group in some way once he has returned from his travels.'

Jones’ role will become effective from the 1st January 2009.