Apollo Auctions has added independent auctioneer and business owner Renae Darlington to its New South Wales team, marking another step in the group’s expansion across the state.
Renae will transition from operating her own business, Darlington Auctions, to join Apollo’s NSW operation under Head of Auctions Ricky Briggs.
The appointment gives Apollo greater reach across Western Sydney, the Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith and the Blue Mountains, where Darlington has established relationships with agents and agencies.
Ricky said the strategy was to bring established auctioneers together under a broader platform while allowing them to maintain their existing industry relationships.
“What we’re building in NSW is bigger than any one auctioneer or individual business. The vision is to bring exceptional people together and create the strongest auctioneering team in the market,” he said.
“Renae is exactly the type of person we want alongside us. She’s built her own brand, developed strong relationships and understands what it takes to run a business.”
Renae brings experience spanning auctioneering, business development, growth and real estate leadership, with Apollo looking to use that broader skill set across its NSW operation.
Apollo Auctions General Manager Greg Brydon said her experience beyond calling auctions was an important part of the appointment.
“Renae brings much more to Apollo than simply her ability to stand on the front lawn and call an auction,” he said.
“She understands agents, she understands business and, importantly, she understands people. Her background in leadership and growth gives her a really strong understanding of what happens throughout an entire campaign and the role an auctioneer can play well before auction day.”
For Renae, joining Apollo means moving away from operating as a standalone business while retaining the relationships and reputation she has developed independently.
“Building Darlington Auctions has been something I’m incredibly proud of, and it has given me the opportunity to develop my own approach, relationships and reputation within the industry,” she said.
“Joining Apollo isn’t about walking away from what I’ve built – it’s about taking it to another level.”