New president for real estate’s peak body

Experienced property manager brings near quarter-century experience to top job.

LEAH Calnan has been elected as the new president of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.

Ms Calnan has served as Vice President and Senior Vice President over the past two years and replaces Robyn Waters, who has stepped down following a successful term.

A titan of the property management and rental sector, Ms Calnan has been sole director for the prestigious Metro Property Management and was named Property Manager of the year in 2016.

With 24 years’ real estate experience, she’s has authored books on real estate and is a highly sought-after presenter on rental laws.

Outgoing president Robyn Waters said that Ms Calnan would hit the ground running.

“Leah is an outstanding choice to help lead our sector; she has been a fierce advocate and will push for the right conditions to help our organisation prosper,” Ms Waters said.

“Leah is highly respected amongst her peers; she is experienced and is the ideal person to take the real estate sector forward.”

Ms Calnan’s appointment marks the fourth female president in the history of the REIV.

“Real Estate is an important sector in Victoria supporting our economy and providing tens of thousands of jobs, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead,” Ms Calnan said.

“This is a critical time for Victorian real estate as the market rebounds from a slow period amid the prospect of significant law changes.

“We need to make sure that real estate continues to have a strong voice in Victoria.

“I would also like to pay tribute to my friend and mentor Robyn Waters, who has done an outstanding job over the past year as president. She was a strong leader, and I look forward to seeking her counsel during my term as President.”