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The peak real estate body has revealed who will be replacing David Harrison, who recently concluded his two-year spell in the role.
Michael O’Brien, an industry veteran of 30 years and current managing director of QIC real estate, assumes the presidential role at the Property Council of Australia (PCA).
He will be joined by two newly appointed vice presidents: Tarun Gupta, Stockland managing director and chief executive officer, and Deborah Coakley, Dexus executive general manager, funds management.
Mr O’Brien declared, “It is a privilege” to be elected PCA president by his peers, adding that he’s “committed to further elevating the organisation’s respected advocacy work.”
“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,” he said.
Outlining his eagerness to “promote our thought leadership on real solutions to Australia’s housing, planning, investment, and net zero challenges,” Mr O’Brien added he’ll “ensure the increasing and welcome diversity of our industry is reflected in our leadership on creating inclusive workforces and workplaces.”
Mr O’Brien paid tribute to his predecessor, celebrating “the exceptional industry leadership of David Harrison, [who] successfully championed the industry and the Property Council through one of the most challenging periods in recent memory.”
“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.”
He described this contribution, which allowed the property industry to “show itself to be the engine room for job creation,” as Mr Harrison’s “proud legacy.”
PCA’s chief executive, Mike Zorbas, praised Mr O’Brien for bringing “deep insight from across the sector and around the country.”
“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 the Australian property sector is inspiring,” he said.
In welcoming the incoming president, Mr Zorbas also thanked the outgoing Mr Harrison for “his impressive commitment and achievements on our behalf.”
Mr Harrison will now assume the role of immediate past president and, under the organisation’s constitution, will remain a member of the PCA board for a further two years in that capacity.
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