The Property Council of Australia has appointed Mike Zorbas as its new CEO.
Zorbas, the fifth CEO in the organisation’s 54-year history, started in the role last week.
Prior to the appointment, he had jointly acted in the CEO role since December. He also previously worked at Lendlease Australia, Grocon, and Stockland in roles which engaged governments around the country. Before these, Zorbas also served as the Property Council’s chief advocate to the Australian Parliament.
David Harrison, national president of the Property Council, said Zorbas has the industry insight, track record of positive policy outcomes and people leadership, and a deep understanding of members’ interests needed to deliver the council’s ambitious three-year strategic plan.
Zorbas “is a strong and respected voice for our industry,” Harrison said. “He is knowledgeable and passionate about the role property plays in shaping our cities for the better and he understands and champions members’ interests across the country. Mike has the vision to lead our industry forward in challenging times and his ability to engage with governments at all levels is a significant asset as the regulatory environment becomes increasingly complex.”
Harrison said he was confident that Zorbas would “continue to advance our industry and its reputation and, in doing that, to deliver for all Australians whose lives are improved by the assets we create each and every day.”
Zorbas said he was honoured to accept the role and would ensure that the council would continue to be the strongest voice for its members in challenging times.
“With our three-year strategy in place, I look forward to working with members, allies, and all levels of government to unlock the potential of our great Australian cities,” he said. “Australia needs to harness the insight and thought leadership of the property industry to get the next decade right for our communities.
“We need better planning for our cities and significantly more domestic and overseas investment. We must continue our globally recognised leadership on sustainability, and we must help governments get smarter about creating more new and more efficient homes across the housing spectrum and across the country.”
“I look forward to working with our talented Property Council team to make our increasingly diverse industry and our own organisation great places to work.”
Zorbas succeeded Ken Morrison, who resigned last year to pursue new opportunities after eight years as CEO and 25 years as an employee.
“Ken served a combined 25 years at the Property Council. We are grateful to him for his outstanding advocacy and commercial achievements and his loyal service, and we wish him well for the next phase of his career,” Harrison said.
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