OBrien Real Estate has a new Chief Executive Officer, with Mitch Armstrong joining the Victorian brand with a clear vision to lead the industry in agent and client experience.
Mr Armstrong comes into the CEO role with a wide variety of executive, operational and project leadership experience, having held positions as chief commercial officer at Kay & Burton, sales director for Domain and chief operating officer for The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
He will report to corporate directors Dean O’Brien, Darren Hutchins and Stavros Ambatzidis, with the new CEO role allowing the corporate team to work more closely with existing offices and assist with the brand’s continued growth.
“I’m looking to help navigate and support our business through a changing real estate environment, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional customer service,” he said.
“I’m confident that in leveraging the existing collegial and supporting network environment, we will continue to attract great offices to our network as part of our growth strategy.”
Mr Armstrong said the real estate industry was changing rapidly and OBrien wanted to lead that change for the betterment of its offices, team members and clients.
“The industry is changing at a rate of knots,” he said.
“So the question is not whether we need to change, the industry is changing, and we can either change and get ahead of it or otherwise the change will be upon us.
“It’s really important to convey to our current team that the game is changing and we need to be at the forefront of what that looks like.”
Mr Armstrong said one space where OBrien was looking to lead the way was with the use of technology to enhance the agent and client experience.
He said while some may be scared of disruption, he saw it as an opportunity.
“I think the fear of disruption is an antiquated notion and I think technology can be used to enhance the ability for the agent to be able to provide an even better level of customer service for our vendors and our buyers,” Mr Armstrong said.
Mr Armstrong said his previous roles had provided “the best apprenticeship possible” and would stand him in good stead in his new role.
“I am honoured to have been selected as OBrien Real Estate’s first CEO,” he said.
“It is a privilege to be part of an organisation that delivers high quality services and innovative solutions to the best clients, develops the most talented professionals into leaders and does its part to improve the societies in which we operate,” he said.
OBrien Corporate Director Dean O’Brien said he was excited Mr Armstrong had joined the brand.
“Mitch brings unique perspectives on the national business environment, having a true multifaceted career journey,” he said.
“I am excited to work with Mitch as we continue to make significant inroads in becoming Victoria’s most successful, progressive, and innovative real estate brand.
“Mitch has already been impressed by the quality of our people, the strength of our culture and our client relationships. We believe we have an exciting future in front of us as we capture growth opportunities.”
OBrien Corporate Director Stavros Ambatzidis said Mr Armstrong would bring exceptional strategic and leadership skills to OBrien Real Estate.
“He has impressed us with his clarity, structure and focus, and a strong client-centric mindset to the role, and by his drive to lead the development of OBrien Real Estate’s future strategy,” Mr Ambatzidis said.
OBrien Corporate Director Darren Hutchins said Mr Armstrong’s appointment marked an exciting new chapter for the brand.
“We believe he is a great fit for OBrien Real Estate, with the combination of skills and experience to lead the business through its next strategic phase,” he said.
