The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has announced the appointment of Steve Davidson (pictured) as its new chief executive officer, effective Aug. 4.
Davidson brings more than two decades of experience in regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management, most recently serving at the Australian Retirement Trust (ART).
His appointment follows a competitive, independent selection process and forms part of a broader leadership renewal under the Crisafulli government, aimed at modernising service delivery and supporting stability for renters and property owners across Queensland.
Davidson replaces former CEO Jennifer Smith, who led the RTA for seven years before stepping down in April.
Davidson previously played a key role in the merger between Sunsuper and QSuper, which formed ART in 2022 – now the second-largest superannuation fund in Australia.
“Steve has a strong record of bringing about strategic organisational change and we are fortunate to have him join us,” said acting RTA CEO Kristin Spruce.
“His leadership values and deep understanding of stakeholder and staff engagement make him the obvious choice to lead the RTA through its next chapter.”
Queensland Housing Minister Sam O’Connor said Davidson had “the right skills and experience to modernise service delivery and build confidence in the RTA.”
Davidson said he looked forward to engaging with Queensland’s residential rental sector and the RTA team.
“I feel honoured to be given the chance to work with sector stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
I’m also looking forward to working with the talented RTA staff to learn more about our service delivery, the trends they’re seeing in our Contact Centre and how we can continue to fulfill the vision and deliver with purpose.”
Davidson will work with the incoming RTA Board to shape the authority’s new strategic plan, aimed at strengthening tenancy compliance and service delivery across Queensland.
Alongside the CEO appointment, the RTA confirmed a refreshed board structure. Brook Monahan, founder and managing director of Mosaic Property Group, has been appointed chair of the RTA Board, succeeding Steve Ryan.
Three new directors – Paul Spiro, Connie McKee, and Colin Cassidy – will replace outgoing board members Janet Benson, Nathanael Edwards, and Patrick Morgan.
