REA move into new phase with employment of full-time CEO

REA is moving into a new phase of growth with the employment of a full-time CEO. REA has been in operation for 10 years and has nearly 50 offices working under its banner across the country. Chairman of the REA, Harry Sothern said: “REA is stronger than ever before after our first 10 years in business that has seen a boom, bust and slow recovery in the property market. “We are now seeking a full-time CEO to lead the group into our second decade and help to oversee the expansion of the business.” Mr Sothern said that the employment of a full-time CEO “is a statement of intent” by the group. Over the last number of years, the role of CEO has been a part-time post and Mr Sothern said: “It is only right that the REA has a full-time CEO to lead the group into its second 10 years and new figures confirming a 25% increase in planning permissions in the first quarter of this year offer further confirmation of a recovery in the market. He continued, “We want to be in a position to fully capitalise on the recovery and our new CEO will be central to that by formulating medium and long term growth strategies for the group.” Mr Sothern said that the new CEO will be able to tap into the vast knowledge of REA members in driving the business forward. He said: “All Real Estate Alliance members are members of The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and, with one quarter of our firms in business for more than a century, we offer thousands of years experience in property in Ireland." Mr Sothern pointed out “that already, REA is now recognised as major players in the property market evidenced by the winning of business for the group from various institutions, companies and banks, particularly in the last few years. REA recently re-branded is also a sign of their belief in the future despite the current challenging times.” The past two years have seen the group grow from strength to strength with 12 new offices opening since December 2011 giving 46 REA member offices nationwide. REA expect to reach 50 branches by the end of the summer. The group’s emphasis has never been on having the greatest number of branches around the country and the focus has been on quality rather than quantity. Mr Sothern said that the new CEO will be a person looking for an autonomous role and should have a business development background and a detailed knowledge of the property & financial market in Ireland. The role involves responsibility for developing new business & managing existing relationships with the group's clients; ensuring the Group’s ethos is maintained & that its membership receive an excellent service and ensuring the members of REA are compliant & provide a professional centralised service to the group's clients. Candidates should have should have substantial Property/Banking experience with appropriate qualifications and established knowledge of and relationships with leading banks & receivers, especially in Ireland and the UK.