Meet the team
at the leading West London Estate Agency
Our customers tell us they are our greatest assets. So here's an opportunity to find out about a few of the people who shape our business and make us so successful at selling and letting property.
Richard Palfreeman - Managing Director
Experience
Richard began his career as a junior negotiator "an unspecified number of decades ago". He opened Northfields in 1988 and has grown it to five offices during its first twenty years. He has a strong attachment to the west London area, has been appointed President of the Ealing Chamber of Commerce and a Trustee of The Log Cabin.
Proudest moment
His team at Northfields winning three prestigious National Estate Agency awards.
Little known fact
Richard is a competitive runner, participating in marathons all over Europe. His two teenage sons also enjoy running, and can now be seen overtaking their dad!
Ann Leaver - Director
Experience
Having spent over 20 years working for solicitors, relocation companies and estate agents, Ann has in-depth knowledge of the property market.
Proudest moment
Surviving a four-day Tibetan trek at high altitude in blizzard conditions.
Little known fact
Ann’s name is firmly on the map as her grandfather developed and built Leaver Gardens in Greenford in the early 1930s!
Dee Beth - Finance Director
Experience
A qualified accountant with over 30 years’ experience, Dee has successfully steered Northfields through the lows of recessions and highs of housing market booms since 1995. Having recently become a landlord herself, Dee understands the importance of accurate, efficient accounting systems to ensure clients’ and suppliers’ finances are handled correctly.
Proudest moment
The birth of her first grandchild Josie
Little known fact
Dee never has (and never will) approve a stationery request for Post-It notes!
Silvia Eldawi - Lettings Director
Experience
Silvia came to Northfields after working for a corporate because she "liked the intimacy of an independent". Loved by our landlords for her frankness (she will always tell it like it is), she pioneered the expansion of our admin department and was the first agent to demystify lettings legislation by publishing information packs. Silvia was made a Director in 2007.
Proudest moment
Collecting the overall winner's trophy along with 4 other awards at the Letting Agency of the Year Awards 2010.
Little known fact
Silvia was featured in the Evening Standard's Diary of an Estate Agent.
John Henry - Sales Director
Experience
John has been selling property in the West London area for the best part of 15 years and joined Northfields over a decade ago. He lives in Ealing with his wife and young son Jack.
Proudest moment
The birth of his son Jack.
Little known fact
He was a non commissioned officer in the army.
Kylie Menz - Sales Manager
Experience
Kylie started her career in property down under where she spent two years in sales and property management in Perth, Australia. She joined Northfields in 2004 and has been Sales Manager ever since. After nine years in the UK, Kylie still hasn’t come to terms with the British weather and finds Skype a lifesaver to keep in touch with the folks back home.
Proudest moment
Raising over £700 for charity doing the 10 mile Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer Care.
Little known fact
Kylie spent 3 months travelling through Africa from Nairobi down to South Africa.
Peet Venter - Lettings Manager
Experience
Peet started his career in estate agency ten years ago and focused on Lettings in 2005. He has extensive knowledge of West London and a passion for excellent customer service. Peet is an ARLA-qualified Lettings Manager with a solid understanding of Lettings compliance and legislation.
Proudest moment
Buying his first property.
Little known fact
Peet is a qualified skydiver and also plays the piano.
Sharon Shankster - Lettings Manager
Experience
A Pitshanger resident since 1970, Sharon knows Ealing like the back of her hand. She has been an estate agent since 1996 and joined Northfields in 2005. Sharon inspires great loyalty from her team and her warm, nurturing personality quickly makes both landlords and tenants feel comfortable and at ease.
Proudest moment
Her daughter getting a 1st class Honours in Geography at Kings College.
Little known fact
Sharon hosts overseas students studying locally.
Niki Clark - Lettings Manager
Experience
After two years in property sales, Niki switched to the dynamic world of lettings. She clearly found her niche as that was ten years ago! A local resident and ARLA-qualified Lettings Manager, Niki has a keen interest in all aspects of tenancy law and legislation and likes nothing more than a perfectly executed move.
Proudest moment
Obtaining a post-graduate qualification in law, which she finds extremely useful when advising clients.
Little known fact
Niki used to work for an airline and her experience of dealing with 350 passengers was a good training ground for managing the relationships involved in her job as an estate agent!
Helen Kennedy - Head of Recruitment
Experience
Helen began estate agency life in 2002 as a Saturday Negotiator, rising steadily through the Northfields ranks to head up Recruitment. Her astuteness and outgoing nature make her the perfect person for sussing out the local talent: she has successfully recruited several junior negotiators who are now senior managers and directors!
Proudest moment
Look out next time you watch BBC drama "Pride and Prejudice" and you'll spot Helen practicing her favourite pastime: dancing.
Little known fact
Helen can also be found teaching ballet and gym to local young children at Twisters.