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Simon Parker
Georg Chmiel, LJ Hooker's former chief operating officer, has been appointed as the company's new chief executive officer.
Mr Chmiel, who was previously the chief financial officer at REA Group, takes over from L. Jasusz Hooker, who assumes the role as deputy chair, with both appointments effective immediately.
“Georg Chmiel as chief executive officer brings a wealth of experience in real estate and new growth models in the industry,” said Greg Paramor, LJ Hooker chairman.
“Georg has been a key member of the LJ Hooker executive team for more than two years, most recently in the role of chief operating officer. Together with myself and Janusz, Georg will oversee the next phase of growth for the company.”
Mr Paramor said LJ Hooker had grown significantly in the two and half years since L. Janusz Hooker and a group of investors bought the real estate business from Suncorp.
“During that time the 6500 strong LJ Hooker network team have together achieved a number of important milestones in the revitalisation of this business,” he said.
“Despite a challenging market over the past year, LJ Hooker has grown its market share in both sales and property management and its top sales performers outperformed the market by 14 per cent.
“These results show that the foundations of a healthy and growing business have been laid. Now it is time to commence the next stage of our growth plan.”
Mr Hooker will continue to play an active role in growing the business, Mr Paramor added.
“We have added 36 new offices and 500 new sales people to our business in 2011, bringing the LJ Hooker network to a total of 690 offices. I am very excited about the next phase of growth for the business,” said Mr Hooker.
