Mark Bayliss has been appointed CEO of online auctions site, Grays Online, succeeding Cameron Poolman.

Bayliss was formerly CEO of Quick Service Restaurants, owner of the Oporto, Chicken Treat, and Red Rooster chains.

Poolman has been with Grays since 1996, starting out as a trainee auctioneer and valuer, before being appointed as a director in 1999.

He will remain a non-executive director and shareholder.

Major investor Caledonia (Private) Investments, is looking to sell its 25 per cent stake in Grays Online, with a deal said to be close.