REA Group has announced that CEO Owen Wilson will retire from his role in the second half of 2025.
Wilson, who has been at the helm for six years and with REA for a decade, will step down from full-time executive duties.
Wilson’s tenure as CEO has been marked by robust financial performance and transformative growth for REA Group.
Under his leadership, REA Group expanded its operations and global investments significantly.
Before becoming CEO, Wilson served as REA Group’s chief financial officer, where he managed the company’s finance portfolio, including strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and operations.
Wilson has more than 30 years of experience across the information technology, recruitment, and banking industries. His career includes roles at ANZ, where he was the COO of ANZ’s Institutional and Investment Bank and managing director of retail banking and international partnerships in Asia. He also held positions at KPMG and Chandler MacLeod Group before his tenure at REA Group.
Wilson’s academic background includes a bachelor of commerce in accounting and computer science from Deakin University. He is also a director of the Hawthorn Football Club.
REA Group chairman Hamish McLennan praised Wilson’s leadership.
“After more than 10 glorious years at REA Group, Owen has decided to retire,” McLennan said. “His stellar leadership leaves the company exceptionally well positioned, and REA is one of the best home-grown technology companies which has flourished into being a global leader.”
News Corp CEO Robert Thomson also lauded Wilson's achievements.
“Owen has shown extraordinary leadership in building a global success story at REA, which has become the gold standard for digital platforms,” Thomson said.
As Wilson prepares to retire, the board has initiated a comprehensive process to select a new CEO, evaluating both internal and external candidates.
Wilson will remain with REA Group to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been a privilege to lead REA Group for the past six years and I am proud of all our team has accomplished,” Wilson said. “The business is in excellent shape as evidenced by the results we have announced today.”
See the REA Group announcement. Also read Wilson’s leadership profile at the REA Group website.
