SMETHURST CONFIRMED AS RIGHTMOVE CHIEF BELIEF OFFICER

13 Feb 2026

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Rightmove Signs Macclesfield FC Owner Rob Smethurst as ‘Chief Belief Officer’ ahead of landmark match!

Rightmove, the UK’s largest property platform, has today announced the appointment of renowned entrepreneur and Macclesfield FC owner Rob Smethurst to the newly created role of Chief Belief Officer (CBO).

In a story that has all the makings of a Hollywood movie, Smethurst, who famously bought Macclesfield FC after spotting the club listed on Rightmove in 2020 – is the perfect signing, inspiring others to believe that any “dream move” is achievable with the right tools and mindset. Smethurst’s journey from self-made businessman to football chairman has become one of the most celebrated stories in British sport.

After revitalising the club following its liquidation, Smethurst has overseen a meteoric rise that culminated in Macclesfield FC’s recent historic “giant-killing” run in the world’s oldest national knockout competition. Now, in his new capacity as Chief Belief Officer, Smethurst will inspire others to explore unconventional property and business opportunities, as living, breathing proof of what happens when you actually do it.

As part of this unorthodox signing, Rightmove is making a contribution directly to the Macclesfield FC Youth Academy, ensuring the next generation of Silkmen have the boots and the backing, turning Smethurst’s “belief” into a tangible legacy for the local community. Rob Smethurst, Owner and Chairman of Macclesfield FC, and Chief Belief Officer at Rightmove, commented: “I never thought a search filter would lead me to beating some of the biggest teams in England, but finding Macclesfield football stadium on Rightmove didn’t just change my life; it changed the trajectory of this entire community.

“We rebuilt this club on a foundation of hard work and an unshakable belief that we belonged back on the big stage. I am incredibly excited to bring that same energy to Rightmove. I want to show people across the UK that whether you are looking for a first home or a commercial empire, the opportunity is there if you have the confidence to click.”

Matt Bushby, Chief Marketing Officer at Rightmove, added: “Rob’s story is the ultimate ‘Belief’ come true. He didn’t just buy a property; he bought a dream and made it a reality.

“He’s gone from fan to owner to legend and we’re thrilled to have him on the team to inspire the rest of the country into finding their dream property, as well as supporting Macclesfield FC’s Youth Academy as part of this partnership, investing in the very community where Rob’s journey began”.

In his new role, Smethurst will be available for email consultations with a limited number of Rightmove customers who are considering making their next move, providing them with all the motivation and experience to encourage them to go for it. Those looking for some additional inspiration can ask Rob how to make their next move the best move, by sending him an email at belief@rightmove.co.uk.

Anyone inspired to follow in Smethurst’s footsteps can explore a huge range of commercial property and ready-made businesses available for sale on Rightmove, including: · A leisure facility in Killingworth · A versatile events venue in Northop · A hotel and restaurant in Hexham · A hotel and theatre in Leicestershire · A trampoline park in Devon · A ruined mill in Somerset that appeared in one of the most popular music videos of all time

The appointment is effective immediately, coinciding with Macclesfield FC’s high-profile televised cup clash this Monday evening.

For more information, or to make your next move, visit www.Rightmove.co.uk

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