Little did Sherry FitzGerald's Killian O'Higgins (pictured right) realise that when he masterminded the link up with international agents DTZ three years ago he would end up as European boss of the 6,500-strong company. That is exactly what has happened this week when he was named as the new managing director of DTZ International, based in London. Having quadrupled Sherry FitzGerald's commercial business since becoming MD there in 1998, he is now taking on one of the most challenging jobs in global real estate. Sherry FitzGerald will sorely miss the 41-year-old O'Higgins who everyone sees as one of the most skilled operators in the business.

With the Irish market in some difficulties, chief executive Mark FitzGerald is stepping in as boss of the commercial division, traditionally the cash cow of any estate agency. He has set himself the task of making it the biggest in the country - a tough assignment at any time but even more so now as the deals slow down. Meanwhile, O'Higgins will stay on an as a non-executive director of the group, though when he settles into London he will undoubtedly be offered even richer pickings further on.