The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) has appointed Blaine Slater (pictured) as its new chief executive officer following a competitive recruitment process that attracted candidates nationwide and internationally.
Slater joins REIWA from TSA Group, one of Western Australia’s largest privately-owned employers, where he is CEO. He will officially commence as CEO on Nov. 17, with acting CEO Kalien Selby remaining in the role until then.
REIWA president Suzanne Brown said the council was confident in Slater’s appointment.
“When we commenced recruiting, we sought an innovative leader who would ensure REIWA would continue to grow and develop, meeting our strategic goals while providing a high level of service and value to members,” Brown said in a media announcement. “We believe Blaine is that person.”
She highlighted Slater’s 20 years of leadership at TSA Group, where he oversaw the company’s transformation from a small WA-based mobile phone seller into a $250 million customer experience and digital transformation provider with more than 4,500 staff across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
She said he had driven operational change, boosted culture and performance, and added 14 new clients, generating $150 million in annual revenue.
“Blaine has the skills, mindset, and energy to drive our business forward in a constantly changing real estate landscape,” Brown said. “More importantly, he shares our vision for growth and excellence.”
Slater said the opportunity to lead the institute was both professionally and personally meaningful.
"REIWA is an iconic WA brand and it made a strong impression on me when I moved to Australia 20 years ago,” he said.
“I deeply respect the Institute’s heritage and legacy and I’m excited to work with the REIWA Council, the REIWA team, and our members to build on this legacy.”
Slater’s appointment comes as Western Australia’s housing market faces ongoing rental pressures, low vacancy rates, and renewed debate over rental reforms and housing supply.
“It is particularly important for me to speak to our members directly,” he said. “They have valuable insights into the market, the issues facing the industry and how REIWA can help them. It will be a priority for me to seek their insights regarding what REIWA looked like when they felt it was at its absolute best and how we can deliver that now.
“REIWA is also a leading voice in the real estate industry, and I am looking forward to helping guide our advocacy efforts on key issues facing the industry, particularly rental reforms, including no grounds terminations, the upcoming anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism reforms, and housing supply challenges.”
Brown also extended her gratitude to acting CEO Kalien Selby.
“I would like to sincerely thank Kalien for her leadership as acting CEO over the past few months. Her efforts have been greatly appreciated,” she said.
“The council and I would also like to thank the team at REIWA for their commitment to ensuring REIWA continues to provide exceptional service to our members.”
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