Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director of industry diversity body Real Estate Balance, is stepping down from the group in March next year.
Fenn-Smith, who joined REB in late 2018, said: “When I joined Real Estate Balance last year, my ambition was to use my experience to make as much of an impact for positive change during the short time I would be in the role. Working with CEOs and leaders across the industry has been hugely encouraging, as the motivation from our members to address the issues and prioritise diversity and inclusion as a business imperative, is apparent.
“There is still a lot of work to do across the sector, but Real Estate Balance is now in a stronger place to support and grow our membership and I hope that the issues and proposed solutions have been amplified over the past year. I have very much enjoyed my time with the team at Real Estate Balance and I look forward to continuing efforts in this area from a property focused role.”
REB chair Vivienne King said Fenn-Smith had been instrumental in leading the body’s evolution. “While there is still much to do, we are starting to see a real shift in how diversity is viewed in the boardroom, with our organisation playing an increasingly pivotal role as a catalyst for change. Kaela has been a dynamic and effective leader of Real Estate Balance, which is working with industry colleagues to bring about an inclusive property world where gender is considered a business-critical issue.”
REB is now on the search for a new managing director and is encouraging applications for the role from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, including candidates from outside the real estate sector. The high-profile role will continue REB’s campaign to address the gender imbalance in property, working to secure a future in which women represent half the industry’s senior leadership positions.
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