The Property Council of Australia announced the appointment of Mike Zorbas as the new Chief Executive of the organisation.

Mr Zorbas, who is currently the Property Council’s Group Executive Policy & Advocacy, will commence in the role. He is the fifth CEO in the 54-year history of the organisation, which proudly represents all parts of the industry nationally and in every state and territory.

Mr Zorbas has jointly acted in the Chief Executive role since December. He previously served as Group Head of Government, Media and Industry Affairs at Lendlease Australia, Group Head of Strategy and Corporate Communications at Grocon and General Manager of Government Relations at Stockland, roles in which engaged governments around the country. Before these roles Mr Zorbas served as the Property Council’s Chief Advocate to the Australian Parliament.  

National President of the Property Council David Harrison said the Board of Directors felt Mr Zorbas possessed the required industry insight, track record of positive policy outcomes and people leadership, and a deep understanding of members’ interests needed to deliver the Property Council’s ambitious three-year strategic plan.

“I am delighted Mike will continue his great work for our industry as the Property Council’s new Chief Executive,” Mr Harrison said.

“He is a strong and respected voice for our industry.

“He is knowledgeable and passionate about the role property plays in shaping our cities for the better and he understands and champions members’ interests across the country.

“Mike has the vision to lead our industry forward in challenging times and his ability to engage with governments at all levels is a significant asset as the regulatory environment becomes increasingly complex.

“Mike is a big believer in the talented Property Council staff team and his appointment from within our Property Council ranks is testament to the strength of the organisation and its executives.

“I know Mike will continue to advance our industry and its reputation and, in doing that, to deliver for all Australians whose lives are improved by the assets we create each and every day,” he said.

Mr Zorbas said the appointment was a great honour built on the generous mentoring of generations of property CEOs, Division Presidents and leaders, including the late Jim (James) Service AO, Property Council alumni, and the two preceding Chief Executives, Peter Verwer AO and Ken Morrison.

“I am honoured to accept this role and will ensure we continue to be the strongest voice for our members in challenging times,” Mr Zorbas said.

“With our three-year strategy in place, I look forward to working with members, allies and all levels of government to unlock the potential of our great Australian cities.

“Australia needs to harness the insight and thought leadership of the property industry to get the next decade right for our communities.

“We need better planning for our cities and significantly more domestic and overseas investment.

“We must continue our globally recognised leadership on sustainability and we must help governments get smarter about creating more new and more efficient homes across the housing spectrum and across the country.

“I look forward to working with our talented Property Council team to make our increasingly diverse industry and our own organisation great places to work,” he concluded.

Mr Harrison and Mr Zorbas also paid tribute to previous Chief Executive Ken Morrison, who announced his resignation last year to pursue new opportunities after eight years as CEO and 25 years as an employee.

“Ken served a combined 25 years at the Property Council. We are grateful to him for his outstanding advocacy and commercial achievements and his loyal service and we wish him well for the next phase of his career,” Mr Harrison said.

Taken from Property Council of Australia Media Release, 25 January 2023.