Andrew Bell OAM, a towering figure in Queensland real estate and the Principle of Ray White Surfers Paradise Group (RWSPG), announced his plan for the Group’s Residential Divison at a recent gathering of over 200 staff and associates.

With an illustrious career spanning four decades and gathering untold numbers of accolades and awards, Mr Bell is a stalwart in the real estate sector, synonymous with integrity, honesty, and an instinctual business acumen that has seen RWSPG grow from simple beginnings to become the largest real estate company in Queensland, continuously breaking new ground and setting sales and auction records.

Mr Bell and his brother Greg have welcomed on board the next generation to lead the Group’s Residential operations.

Michael Andrews and Jordan Thams two of the Bell’s longest serving and most trusted team members, have taken equity in the Residential business, will assume responsibility of their new roles immediately, and progressively absorb full ownership over the coming years.

In addition, Matt Gates, not only Mr Bell’s son-in-law, but a legendary name in luxury residential property, will also progressively take ownership the Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island offices.

Mr Andrews, who will lead the Residential Sales operation as CEO, has proven his dedication and strategic capabilities for over a decade, rising from ten years as Head of Residential Sales RWSP, to COO of the Ray White Queensland Corporate division. 

RWSP’s star performer and one of the State’s leading sales agents, Mr Thams, who has been with RWSP for seventeen years, will partner with Mr Andrews in the leadership of the residential divison.

“This a dream come true for Greg and myself,” Mr Bell said.  “I’ve known Michael for 12 years, Jordan for 17 and of course Matt for 20 years. They really are like the sons I never had. It’s been wonderful to play a part in helping them grow and develop into the great leaders they are today, and it brings a smile to my face to be able to provide this opportunity and future for them now.

“Whilst Greg and I will play an active mentoring role in the Residential part of our business, we wil be devoting a great deal of our remaining attention into growing and developing the Commercial, Property Management and Project Marketing components of RWSP. We have huge plans for those parts of the business.

“We are so looking forward to watching these three remarkable young men put their stamp on the industry, spread their wings and take the business to the next level moving forward.

“This is something we have been planning through 2023. And the timing has been perfect: as we recognised them and their ability to take on these roles, they became ready; more than ready - they are up on the starting block and just itching to go. Greg and I couldn’t not be happier. 

“This is the fourth phase in the development of Ray White Surfers Paradise Group. Our first phase was in the 1990s, establishing the business. The second was from 2000 to 2012, where we had so many challenges, such as the GFC. The third phase has been the last ten years, including the pandemic and the market highs and lows that were created. And now we are entering the fourth phase, and we are all just bubbling with excitement for the next generation to take prominence moving forward.”

Andrews, Thams and Gates say they have garnered rich experiences and wisdom under Mr Bell's mentorship, and are taking on these roles with eyes firmly set on the future.

"It is the most exciting opportunity of my career, simple as that”, said Mr Andrews. “I am so excited about the opportunity to be able to take over from an industry giant such as Andrew, and I am completely committed to the future of RWSP.”

Mr Thams started with RWSP seventeen years ago and has been consistently named in Ray White Queensland as a top 10 sales performer for the past 6 years running. 

“I’m extremely proud of my career at RWSP under the guidance and mentorship of Andrew and Greg.  I’ve worked side-by-side with Michael for thirteen years, he’s one of my greatest mates, and to think that we both have the opportunity take the Residential Divison of the Group into the future is a dream come true,” said Thams.

"The ideals of integrity and unyielding quality have always been the linchpins of Andrew's leadership,” Mr Gates said. “We are not just taking forward a business; we are shepherding a legacy, one that has impacted hundreds of employees and thousands of clients."

The future for RWSP – and the Gold Coast property market - has never looked brighter according to Mr Bell. 

“This is a great time for the Gold Coast property market and for us as a company,” he said. “The past 30 years has been about managing the Gold Coast through highs and lows. We see huge opportunities through our national and international network to take it to a much higher level. We have a great reputation and recognition nationally, but we see huge opportunities internationally as well, particularly for our projects division.”

Mr Bell says one of the decisions he is most proud of is becoming part of the Ray White Group. 

“I have been with Ray White all these years because it is an incredible company,” Mr Bell said. “Ray White invests tens of millions of dollars every year in the best technology in the industry, in order to give our sellers and buyers the best real estate outcomes possible.”

With a focus on the future, and a robust leadership structure poised to take the helm, Ray White Surfers Paradise Group is set to be a leading light in Australian real estate for many years to come, honouring the legacy of a respected leader and ensuring the continuation of a heritage built on unparalleled service, expertise and integrity.