AROUND THE BLOCK:GOOD TO SEE estate agents are hiring again. Joanne Geary, who is one of the most experienced players in the property marketing business, has been appointed group head of marketing for Sherry FitzGerald.

She will be responsible for the strategic marketing within the group which incorporates DTZ Sherry FitzGerald, residential, new homes, the countrywide franchise network, lettings and mortgages.

Geary previously worked as head of marketing at Savills Ireland (previously Hamilton Osborne King).

Sherry FitzGerald had slimmed down its staff last year but, with a pickup in sales in recent weeks, it’s now focusing on the recovery. Marketing and research were among the first casualties of the property bust, though Sherry FitzGerald retained several of its staff in this area.

It will be interesting to see if rival firms are ready to boost numbers, in anticipation of a further pickup.