Brisbane-based OurProperty, a proptech in the property management space, has started 2019 with a bang, bringing on several big names in the property industry as its new board of advisors.
The company, which develops property management products, has brought on the advisors to support its ongoing goal of becoming a major player in the property management tech zone and look into global expansion down the track.
Grant Harrod, the former CEO and Managing Director of the LJ Hooker network, has joined the board along with Chris Heller, former CEO of the largest real estate group in North America, Keller Williams.
Mr Harrod brings with him a deep understanding of the Australian and New Zealand real estate markets as well as the complexities of the public and private investment markets. Mr Heller offers a similar depth of knowledge in the United States and was recognised as one of the ten most influential people in the residential real estate field by Inman in 2017.
Kumar Parakala, the Global Digital Leader of GHD, is another well-known name in the digital landscape, having been named 2016 SEARCC Digital Disruptors’ International Professional of the Year, as well as featuring in the ‘Top 50 in Technology’ by The Australian. Mr Parakala specialises in global growth and has led the Technology Advisory Practice, Digital Consulting Practice and Global CIO Advisory Practice for KPMG. It’s expected that he will add input to the planning and execution of the company’s growth strategy.
The company also welcomed some local real estate experts and speakers in the property management space. Vasili Hadzellis, one of the leading property management consultants in Australia, will be joining the board along with Kylie Davis, who is a well-known speaker at industry events, Head of Policy at REINSW and CEO at Real Content.
Rounding out the new additions is Stephen Fisher from Sydney-based Jemmison Fisher, who specialises in legal and accountancy services to the real estate industry.
OurProperty offers a product targeted at agencies and designed to support all stakeholders, from the agencies themselves to landlords, tenants and trades suppliers.
The Australian market has around 2.2 million rental properties, and this number has been climbing as affordability of home ownership has become out of reach for a large part of the market. There is a rental flow of around $50 billion a year, which provides the agency sector with about $3 billion in fees via their property management departments.
