Our Board

Leanne Pilkington is Chief Executive Officer and Director of boutique real estate network Laing+Simmons and is the immediate past President of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW). Leanne was elected Deputy President of REIA in 2021 and is a Director of REI Super.

Leanne’s 40 years’ experience covers the full spectrum of real estate services: sales, property management, retail, and commercial leasing and management as well as property development.

Being recognised in a range of awards such as Telstra and Optus Business awards to mention just two, she is considered a thought leader and one of the industry’s most influential people.

Leanne has pioneered a range of industry firsts, including being the founder of the Real Women in Real Estate (RWIRE) network holding events around the country, improving diversity on the REI Board, and champions the growth of industry professionalism.

Hannah is the Director of Property Management at the Property Collective and the President of the Real Estate Institute of the ACT.

She brings over thirteen years experience in property management as well as build-to-rent, affordable housing and people and culture.

Hannah is an accomplished industry speaker and consultant which was recognised at the 2020 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year (Medium & Large Business).

Andrew Bell and his brother Greg own and operate the Ray White Surfers Paradise Group. The largest real estate company in Queensland with over 200 staff operating through a wide range of real estate activities from all forms of residential, prestige homes, project marketing, commercial and industrial. They have been Ray White’s No.1 Residential office internationally on more than twenty occasions, as well as Ray White’s No.1 Commercial sales office internationally on numerous occasions.

Andrew has over 40 years experience in the real estate industry, first operating a three-office group in Sydney and now the largest independently owned real estate group in Queensland. Andrew is regarded as one of Australia’s most experienced and professional auctioneers. With his vast experience, Andrew is called upon to speak at many conferences and business groups and having been through five real estate cycles has a very clear understanding of the various stages of the real estate cycle.

Cain is the Executive Chair of the Real Estate Institute of Australia South Australia.

Cain has held a range of roles in key South Australian and national brands including Discovery Parks, Specsavers, Cibo Espresso, Boost Juice & Century 21 Australia.

Cain was named in South Australia’s inaugural InDaily 40 Under 40 Business Leaders.

Carol Need, Need Real Estate, has over 20 years’ experience in the NT Market, specializing in Property Management, Sales, and Relocation Services.

Carol is Vice President of the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory and President of the Women’s Network NT.

Carol has a Diploma in Property and is a Cert 4 trainer and Assessor. Since 1999, Carol has been a key trainer at the Real Estate Institute NT since 1999.

With over 45 years of real estate experience under his belt Michael is a highly regarded sales consultant, auctioneer and licensed manager at Roberts Real Estate Tasmania.

His journey within the industry includes 12 plus years as a board member of the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania and for the last three years has proudly held the position of State President.

Michael is excited to be involved in the ‘next level’ challenges that will come in his new role as Board member of the REIA.

Jacob Caine is the Chief Executive Officer of Ray White CRE, which he has led since 2012. He is in his second term as President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and is a director of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. A licensed estate agent with extensive industry leadership experience, Jacob has held key roles, including as a director of View.com.au and former Chairman of the REIV Melbourne Division.

Jacob holds a Bachelor’s degree with honours from Melbourne University, an MBA from Monash University, and a Master’s in International Relations from Harvard University, where he graduated on the Dean’s List. Currently, he is a PhD candidate at the National Security College, Australian National University, researching the evolution of “cyberattack.”

Additionally, Jacob has completed professional certificates in leadership, negotiation, and management. He holds a graduate certificate in international security from Harvard and the Public Leadership Credential (PLC) from Havard Kennedy School.

Suzanne Brown is the Director of Rentwest Solutions, a leading property management firm in Perth, Western Australia and currently the President of the Real Estate Institute of WA.

With a career in real estate spanning 35 years, Suzanne has extensive expertise and leadership in property management, client relationships and is committed in continuing to shape the future of real estate in Western Australia.

Suzanne has an MBA from Edith Cowan University.

Thomas McGlynn is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sydney-based property group BresicWhitney and President of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW). With over two decades of experience in sales, auctioneering, and strategic leadership, Thomas is recognised as one of Australia’s leading real estate coaches, thought leaders, and mentors.

Thomas has served on the REINSW Board of Directors for four years, and his presidency highlights his role as a prominent advocate and leader in the industry. His focus as President is on enhancing and future-proofing the long-term value that the Institute provides for its members and stakeholders. This includes driving meaningful outcomes for real estate professionals across New South Wales and their communities.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Thomas is BresicWhitney’s Chief Auctioneer, conducting the majority of the group’s auctions. His expertise in leadership and auctioneering positions him as a trusted voice in the industry, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals.