Raine & Horne has appointed its Head of Network, Andrew Brien as CEO of the international real estate group.

Mr Brien assumes his new position from outgoing CEO Brian Reid, who has decided to retire following a seven-year stint with the leading Superbrand and a stellar 40-year career in real estate.

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne welcomed Mr Brien’s appointment, noting the new CEO brings extensive experience in business management and ownership to the role at a time when the firm is looking to acquire other networks.

“Owning and managing real estate businesses in many states and territories, means Andrew understands each of these markets implicitly including their licensing and compliance regulations,” said Mr Raine.

Mr Brien, who has a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business, also has extensive management experience with another national network, including the Senior Executive role as National Head of Residential Real Estate. In this position, Mr Brien was responsible for almost 300 franchise and company-owned offices, which managed approximately a combined 38,000 properties nationally and had an annual sales turnover of more than $5 billion.

“I am confident that Andrew’s focus on innovation and outstanding customer service will help to continue to drive our profitability and our record levels of office expansion,” Mr Raine said.

Recently, Raine & Horne has added over 100 offices in Australia and major overseas markets such as India and Fiji.

“Andrew will be responsible for growth and innovation throughout the Raine & Horne network nationally and is focused on adding value to all our real estate team members in our network.”

Stepping into the role as CEO, Mr Brien said Raine & Horne has a brilliant platform, with strong cash reserves and Superbrand positioning in what is a low-volume environment.

“With COVID-19 continuing to impact markets around Australia, it is about ensuring our owners, sales agents and property managers are ahead of the curve,” said Mr Brien.

“This means making sure they have all the tools available to them and are prepared for whatever the next few years brings.”

He continued, “What is fantastic about Raine & Horne is that we have all the technology platforms in place such as our industry-leading CRM, Compass Plus, the innovative digital appraisal tool, Digikit, and our social media marketing platform Amplify.

“All of these platforms are first to market in Australia, and other real estate businesses would love to be in the technology leadership position Raine & Horne is in right now.

“Brian has definitely left behind an extremely healthy legacy, which I’m excited to continue.” 

Mr Raine commented, “Over the past five years, Brian has successfully delivered Compass Plus, Digikit, and Amplify, which have been adopted by our entire network.

“Brian was also responsible for helping to drive the spectacular growth of our group since 2013 when he joined us as Chief Operating Officer, and after 40 years in real estate I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”