The Property Council of Australia has a new National President, with Michael O’Brien (pictured right) announced as the man to lead the Council into its new era.

O’Brien succeeds Charter Hall Managing Director David Harrison, who concluded his two-year tenure last week. Holding over 30 years of property industry experience, O’Brien is responsible for the investment and business strategies at QIC.

“It is a privilege to be elected by my industry peers to this important role, and to represent an industry that creates more jobs for Australians than any other,” O’Brien says.

“The property sector shapes how we live, how we work, and our opportunities, and it underpins the strength of our economy, providing jobs in every city, region and town in Australia.

"I look forward to promoting our thought leadership on real solutions to Australia’s housing, planning, investment and net zero challenges. As a Property Champion of Change, I will also ensure the increasing and welcome diversity of our industry is reflected in our leadership on creating inclusive workforces and workplaces.”

Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta and Dexus Executive General Manager, Funds Management Deborah Coakley have both been elected as National Vice Presidents. Gupta’s 25 years in the property industry puts him in good stead for the role, following his appointment to CEO at Stockland in 2021.

Coakley is responsible for managing Dexus’s funds management business. She has been a change leader across the property sector, human resources and in consulting, having worked at Deloitte and Qantas, and as a Past President of the Property Council Capital Markets Division.

O’Brien says David Harrison’s work as National President leaves the Council in good stead as he moves into the role.

“David and our Board worked tirelessly so the sector could underpin Australia’s economic resilience through the pandemic, working with governments to keep tenants viable, to keep construction open, and to implement the confidence-creating HomeBuilder program.

“That contribution was at its greatest as the industry worked through the recovery and showed itself to be the engine room for job creation. A proud legacy.”

Property Council of Australia Chief Executive Mike Zorbas (pictured left) says he looks forward to leading the Council alongside O’Brien.

“Michael brings deep insight from across the sector and around the country,” he says.

“Michael is a change agent whose interest in tackling the housing supply and affordability crisis, planning our cities better, smarter investment settings and showcasing the globally recognised sustainability credentials of Australia’s property sector, is inspiring.”

David Harrison will now move into the role of Immediate Past President, sitting on the Board for a further two years.

Jarrod Reedie

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