REINSW president and managing director of Laing+Simmons Leanne Pilkington has been listed in the top 100 most powerful people in Sydney, in The Daily Telegraph’s inaugural Sydney Power 100 list.
Ms Pilkington said that she was pleased to be recognised for the work she has done and is calling for a major change to the real estate industry.
“I’m thrilled to have my dedication to the industry acknowledged. I became involved in the REINSW board because I was concerned about the declining standards across the industry, and I’ve strongly advocated for women in the profession,” she said.
“I’m now working further to improve the industry by lobbying with REINSW for the NSW government to appoint a property services commissioner who can manage and prioritise the regulatory framework of, and individual cases within, the industry. The NSW government has appointed a building commissioner — we need the same for the $107 billion property services industry.”
REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said that the recognition is well deserved.
“We are extremely proud of everything Leanne has done for the industry, particularly during her time serving for us on the REINSW Board of Directors — and we know she will continue to accomplish great things in the future,” he said.
“Leanne has a major strength in her ability to connect with people and her power to influence and create change. Anyone who has ever met Leanne will understand this and would echo me in saying that she deserves this recognition in the Sydney Power 100 list.”
He said that as president of REINSW, Ms Pilkington represents a powerful industry group, which turns over an estimated $107 billion annually and with 38,000 workers.
“Leanne was elected as REINSW president in 2017 for a two-year term, serving as the second female president since the establishment of the institute in 1910. Leanne is also a founder of the Real Women in Real Estate Group, a global women’s network group that connects professionals in the property industry.”