REIA names new leadership team for centennial year

The Real Estate Institute of Australia has named two prominent real estate industry women in the roles of president and deputy president, with former REINSW President Leanne Pilkington taking the helm.

By API Journalist

| 6-12-2023 | Property Management | 1 min read

New REIA President Leanne Pilkington has stepped into the national role from her presidency of the REINSW. (Image source: REIA)

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has revealed an all-female leadership team for the first time in its history.

Real estate industry identity Leanne Pilkington, hailing from New South Wales, assumes the role of REIA President, while Hannah Gill, based in Canberra, takes on the position of REIA Deputy President.

Adding to the leadership ensemble, Anna Neelagama continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer.

The REIA marks its centennial year in 2024.

“Our focus remains on unity, innovation, and setting the industry on a trajectory for success for the next 100 years and in the near term delivering on the REIA 2025 strategy,” Ms Pilkington said.

She takes over from Hayden Groves, who was in the role for nine years. Damian Collins, a former REIWA head, has also moved on from his REIA role.

Richard Simpson has been appointed as Finance, Risk and Audit Committee Chair, Damian Collins will be succeeded by REIWA President and API Magazine columnist Joe White. Pete Matthews will step into the New South Wales Directorship. Another API Magazine columnist, Andrew Bell, is on the REIA Board of Directors.

Looking ahead to 2024, Ms Pilkington highlighted the continued commitment of REIA to address housing affordability by focusing on boosting supply.

“Our goal is to provide vital information that will positively influence the industry and, indeed, all Australians whether they are tenants, homeowners, first time buyers and property investors.”

Leanne Pilkington is Chief Executive Officer and Director of boutique real estate network Laing+Simmons and is the immediate past President of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW).

She was elected Deputy President of REIA in 2021 and is a Director of REI Super. Leanne’s 40 years’ experience covers the full spectrum of real estate services: sales, property management, retail, and commercial leasing and management as well as property development.

Ms Gill is the Director of Property Management at the Property Collective and the President of the Real Estate Institute of the ACT. She brings more than 13 years experience in property management as well as build-to-rent, affordable housing and people and culture.