Movers + Shakers by Elite Agent
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Linda Baker elected REEF President, Gerard Connell joins REA Group, Dean Muriti headed to DiJones

Linda Baker elected REEF President, Gerard Connell joins REA Group, Dean Muriti headed to DiJones

Also... Avi Khan drives collaboration at The One Conference, Annette Swaine launches Professionals Innisfail, and James Aroney joins Knight Frank’s NSW Capital Markets team.

Elite Agent Editor
February 1st, 2026

Featuring in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers: Anita Wildash, Josh Deluca, Angie Donaghey, James Aroney

It was a short week, but there were still plenty of industry changes, and we have them all here in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers!

Linda Baker has made history, becoming REEF’s first female President in the organisation’s 60-year history.

REA Group has boosted its executive ranks with the appointment of Gerard Connell as Executive General Manager of Sales, to lead the national sales team through the next phase of growth and AI-driven transformation.

DiJones Castle Hill has strengthened its Hills District presence with the appointment of 22-year local veteran, Dean Muriti.

All that and more in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers!

This week’s big moves

Linda Baker. Photo: Supplied

“I’m proud to step into the role of President and to work alongside the committee and executive team to ensure employers are supported, informed and protected.”

LINDA BAKER

Linda Baker becomes REEF's first female President

The Ray White Norwood leader makes history in the organisation's 60-year timeline while bringing extensive industry experience to the role. More here.

Gerard Connell. Photo Supplied

“My focus will be on helping our customers get bigger and better results now and into the future, supporting the long-term success of the industry.”

GERARD CONNELL

Gerard Connell joins REA Group

The new Executive General Manager of Sales brings over 20 years of experience to lead the national team during the industry's AI transformation. More here.

Acquisitions, appointments and ambitious expansions

This week, we put the spotlight on some major agency acquisitions, exciting new office openings, and industry leaders stepping into prominent roles across Australia. We've rounded them up for you here…

Ben August. Photo Supplied

Ben August launches August Estate Agents

The Cairns-based strategist ranks #1 in Northern Queensland with 40 sales averaging just 6 days on market under @realty's OASIS model. More here.

Dean Muriti. Photo: Supplied

Dean Muriti joins DiJones Castle Hill

The 22-year Hills District veteran brings his service-driven approach after previously serving as director at a local agency. More here.

Chantel Dielwert. Photo: Supplied

Chantel Dielwert joins Ray White Buderim

The experienced agent and auctioneer will work across both Buderim and Maroochydore offices, supporting the group's goal of conducting over 500 auctions annually. More here.

Avi Khan speaks at The ONE Conference. Photo: Supplied

Avi Khan unites industry leaders at The One Conference

The Ray White AKG founder brought together top performers committed to raising standards through exemplary practice rather than reactive regulation in the event's fourth year. More here.

Also…
Cunninghams appoints three new Partners Angie Donaghey, Anita Wildash and Sam Raso join the leadership team as the agency expands across Sydney's Northern Beaches, bringing the total to 13 Partners. More here.
Annette Swaine launches Professionals Innisfail The North Queensland businesswoman sold two homes in her first week as principal of the first office in the region under the network's new branding. More here.
James Aroney joins Knight Frank The commercial real estate veteran with 40+ years experience takes on Partner, Institutional Sales role in the NSW Capital Markets team after moving from JLL. More here.
Josh Deluca returns to WA with CBRE appointment The Perth-born former Fremantle Docker joins the Industrial & Logistics team in a newly created Capital Markets role after six years in Melbourne. More here.

Also…

Cunninghams appoints three new Partners

Angie Donaghey, Anita Wildash and Sam Raso join the leadership team as the agency expands across Sydney's Northern Beaches, bringing the total to 13 Partners. More here.

Annette Swaine launches Professionals Innisfail

The North Queensland businesswoman sold two homes in her first week as principal of the first office in the region under the network's new branding. More here.

James Aroney joins Knight Frank

The commercial real estate veteran with 40+ years experience takes on Partner, Institutional Sales role in the NSW Capital Markets team after moving from JLL. More here.

Josh Deluca returns to WA with CBRE appointment

The Perth-born former Fremantle Docker joins the Industrial & Logistics team in a newly created Capital Markets role after six years in Melbourne. More here.

And finally…

Do you know of any upcoming moves we should know about? Tip us off by emailing [email protected].

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