Retail Property Australia has confirmed the appointment of its president and two vice presidents to its inaugural leadership team.
Kylie O’Connor, CEO of investment management at Stockland, will serve as president. She will be joined by VPs Ben Ellis, retail CEO at Charter Hall Group and Chris Forbes of QIC Real Estate.
The appointments were announced at the first meeting of the group’s division council, held in Sydney on February 9. It will form part of the Property Council of Australia.
“Retail property is one of NSW’s most important economic and social assets. The retail property market is strong with buoyant spending and retail the most traded asset class for the third-year running,” Retail Property Australia executive director, William Power, said.
“Consumer expectations, tenant preferences and market dynamics mean retail precincts, centres and high streets need to keep evolving – in terms of performance, convenience and experience.”
O’Connor said the focus will be on practical, commercially grounded advocacy to support investment and stronger centres across Australia.
“Retail property is complex, highly operational, and deeply connected to the communities it serves,” she added.
“Our job is to be a strong, practical voice for the sector, based on what’s happening on the ground.
“We need planning and policy settings that support investment and renewal, enable mixed-use precincts, and keep costs and regulation focused on outcomes. That’s how we keep centres performing and communities thriving.”
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