The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has elected Hayden Groves as its new president following the departure of former president David Airey after four years in the top job.

Originally from Victoria, Groves moved to Western Australia in 1993 after completing his studies at Monash University. Groves first went to Perth for a Christmas visit to his sister and her family who had moved there several years earlier, but Perth's weather and relaxed culture inspired him to also make the move west. Groves then married Perth local Philippa Colgan, bought a real estate business and is helping to raise four young children.

He owns and operates an independent agency in Fremantle that also manages a rental portfolio of around 450 properties. Along with his triennial license, Groves holds an honours degree in politics, has studied law and is a licensed auctioneer. He has served on the REIWA Council since 2010 and was elected Deputy President in October 2013.

He is also the current Deputy President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, the industry peak body based in Canberra. As the immediate past president of the Real Estate Employer's Federation of Western Australia, Groves has a particular interest in employer/employee relations as they relate to the real estate industry.

Groves paid tribute to his predecessor, David Airey, who helped establish a strong profile for REIWA in recent years.

"It’s clear that whilst the WA market will be relatively soft for the next year or so, I want to ensure that REIWA members and the general public get the best services and property information they can as they negotiate this uncertain period in the property cycle," said Groves.

Damian Collins from Momentum Wealth was elected as Groves' deputy.