REAL estate firm LJ Hooker has named its new chief executive officer in Christine Mikhael, who has served as acting CEO for the last six months.
In addition to the top spot of the complete house of brands under LJ Hooker Group including LJ Hooker, Atlas by LJ Hooker, and Harveys, Mikhael will also become a member of the LJ Hooker board.
“Christine’s appointment signals the start of the LJ Hooker Group’s next phase of growth as it approaches its 2028 century of pioneering real estate in Australia and New Zealand,” said L Janusz Hooker, group chairman at LJ Hooker.
While acting as CEO for the last half year, Mikhael has also maintained her existing position and duties as chief performance officer at the group.
“Christine and her executive leadership team have a clear remit to grow the business by focusing on performance and growth and value delivery,” added Hooker.
The group’s executive leadership team now comprises Ruth Trewhella as COO, Simon Heathcote as CFO and Graeme Hyde as network chief for New Zealand.
“LJ Hooker has proven itself to be one of the most resilient and successful real estate groups anywhere in the world,” said Mikhael.
“From establishing Australia’s first Real Estate Investment Trust (A-REIT) to being its largest landholder and developer, LJ Hooker’s contributions to the development of the industry and country are significant.”
Mikhael added that under her leadership the group will focus on growth through franchising and supporting the group’s offices across Australia and New Zealand.
“LJ Hooker was also responsible for bringing franchising to Australia and was its first national real estate network; it has navigated countless real estate cycles and for generations been the brand people turn to and trust,” she said.
“We will invest in our brands, training and integrating the best in technology to ensure that our offering is second to none and that we serve our clients — our people — and our consumers — sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants — with excellence.”
