The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales has elected Leanne Pilkington as president of the industry body​. Her appointment is effective immediately, and her term is two years.

"I am really excited. It's a great time in the industry," Pilkington told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS.

Pilkington said she will be continuing on with the work by her predecessor, John Cunningham, to professionalise the industry. Cunningham will also continue to champion professionalism, and has been appointed chair of the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s Professionalism Committee.

"I will support John in his push towards professionalism. It's an absolute imperative for the industry and our careers," she said.

Her other priority is to promote the fact that the REINSW's work benefits the entire industry.

Pilkington also said that she wants to see more women in senior management roles in the real estate industry. As only the second woman to be elected president of the REINSW and the founder of the Real Women in Real Estate group, Pilkington said she wants more women to understand the value of taking on senior leadership roles and "having a place at the table". 

She would like to see more women "stepping out from administration roles, where they currently dominate," she said.

REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said Pilkington’s major strength is her ability to connect with people right across the industry. 

“Leanne’s charismatic style and strong leadership skills will see her focus on our lobbying efforts," McKibbin said. 

“With more than 25 years experience in the industry she has already demonstrated her ability to put a voice to the wants and needs of the industry.
 
Pilkington is also “a strong advocate for women in the profession," said McKibbin.

Leanne is currently the Managing Director of real estate group Laing+Simmons having joined the franchise in 1995. She was elected to the REINSW Board of Directors in 2009.  

“I first became involved in the REINSW Board because I was concerned about declining education standards across the industry," said Pilkington.

“My lobbying efforts will be focused on improving education and training," she said. 

Mr McKibbin paid tribute to John’s two year term as President.

“John has been the driving force in regard to professionalism and will carry on his work through the newly created role at REIA,” he said. 

“The profile of REINSW has grown and prospered under his leadership and we find ourselves in an incredibility strong position.”

REINSW Board Members

Deputy Presidents

Barry Johnston, Balmoral Partners

Brett Hunter, Raine & Horne Terrigal-Avoca Beach

Peter Matthews, The Agency Neutral Bay

Immediate Past President

John Cunningham, Cunninghams 

Directors

Alexander (Sandy) Warburton, John Flood Muswellbrook

Andrew Palmer, The Property Shop Mudgee

Christopher Hines, Unrealestate Toormina

Damien Cooley, Cooley Auctions

David Howe, McGrath Estate Agents Northbridge

Ewan Morton, Morton Real Estate Crows Nest

Gary Adamson, Strata Management Services

Linda Rudd, Senior Director at Knight Frank Australia

Lynette Kimball, Fitzpatricks Real Estate Wagga Wagga

Read more about Leanne Pilkington:

Changing stamp duty the way to improve affordability: Pilkington

Laing+Simmons calls on NSW government to review stamp duty

Laing+Simmons marks 50 years at awards night