THE Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has appointed Association of Mining and Exploration Companies CEO Anne Arnold as its new executive head.
Mrs Arnold, who takes up the new postion mid July, has the challenge of leading REIWA out of a period of factional infighting, following the controversial sacking of long serving CEO Michael Griffiths earlier this year.
A well publicised split between some REIWA council members and the executive, triggered by Mr Griffith’s dismissal, creates a turbulent environment for Mrs Arnold to enter.
However, she may come somewhat prepared for the rigours of taking over from a long-serving incumbent.
Her most recent role was as the successor of another long standing CEO at the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies and that will help prepare her for the challenges ahead.
Six months ago, Ms Arnold replaced George Savell at AMEC.
Mr Savell had been in the role for 16 years.
In some respects the move to REIWA after her brief stint at AMEC reflects a return to her roots in real estate and development-linked organisations for the trained economist.
Mrs Arnold previously held positions as executive director of the WA division of the Urban Development Institute of Australia, deputy chairman of the WA Planning Commission and executive director of the Office of Policy and Planning in the Department of Housing and Works.
REIWA vice-president Greg Rossen, speaking on behalf of president Jim Henneberry who is in the US, said a robust and thorough process was undertaken and a number of high quality candidates were considered.
“We wanted someone to advance REIWA to the next stage, considering the previous CEO had been in the position for 19 years,” he told WA Business News.
“Anne Arnold has tremendous talent which we hope to synergise with the skills base of the people at REIWA and I believe that she will be a very effective CEO to steer REIWA through the waters ahead.”
Roy Weston Real Estate CEO Geoff Baldwin said that as a group with more than 100 REIWA member agents, he was delighted the Council had appointed Mrs Arnold as REIWA chief executive.
“After many years of somewhat stagnant and conservative representation, the REIWA Council has in recent times attracted a new, progressive and positive breed of councillor,” he said
“They are moving REIWA forward in meeting the increasing expectations of REIWA members and the public.
“The Real Estate Industry is one of constant change and demands ever increasing professionalism and skill levels.”
