Sally O'Connell named Abercrombys CEO, Jess Culling launches in QLD, Darren Pearce steps up at First National.

Also... Sarah McCallum has grown her business by 40% since going independent, Darren Pearce joins First National as Membership Director, and Ben Chick celebrates 10 years at Explore Property Mackay.

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Elite Agent Editor
February 2nd, 2025

Featuring in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers: Sarah McCallum, Darren Pearce, Chrissy Jones, Mitch Green

February is already here, and the big industry changes keep on coming in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers!

Luxury Melbourne brand Abercrombys has announced a new CEO, with experienced executive Sally O'Connell set to take the reins and transform the way they serve clients.

Place’s Jess Culling continues to go from strength to strength, with the leading agent launching a new office on the Redcliffe Peninsula with her team of 14.

REIV Board Director Darren Pearce, has joined First National as Membership Director and will look to have positive impact on people and businesses while elevating the brand.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into another edition of Movers + Shakers!

This week’s big moves

Sally O'Connell. Photo: Abercrombys

"My vision for Abercrombys is to create a seamless, portfolio-driven approach that transforms how we serve our clients."

SALLY O’CONNELL

Sally O'Connell to lead Abercrombys as CEO.

The former Macquarie Bank executive brings over two decades of finance and real estate expertise to the luxury Melbourne firm starting February 2025. More here.

Jess Culling, Troy Bateman, Damian Hackett. Photo: Place

“We want to offer something truly different in this region – an experience that is elevated, consistent, and focused on delivering the best results for our clients.”

JESS CULLING

Jess Culling launches Place Redcliffe Peninsula.

Having already achieved top spot in the area, she's leading a team of 14 professionals from their new Scarborough waterfront location. More here.

Promotions, Progress, and Pioneering Plans

This week, we put the spotlight on some exciting leadership appointments, impressive business milestones, and innovative new ventures shaking up the industry. We've rounded them up for you here…

Sarah McCallum thrives with Area Specialist. 
The former franchise agent has grown her business by 40% since going independent in Melbourne's growing corridor three years ago. More here.

Darren Pearce takes key role at First National. 
The industry veteran with 30 years experience joins as Membership Director bringing REIV board expertise to Australia's largest independent network. More here.

Ben Chick marks decade at Explore Property Mackay. 
Starting with just four staff during a mining downturn he's built the region's leading agency with over 4,000 sales and 30 team members. More here.

Industry veterans launch COMPANY RE with new model.
Talei Watene, Bruce Cook and Marcus Buskey are disrupting the traditional franchise approach with a no-fee high-commission structure. More here.

Sam Hatzistamatis leads PM operations at Besser & Co. 
The analytics expert brings a data-driven approach to property management while focusing on team development and business efficiency. More here.

Mitch Green to lead Harcourts Academy. 
The Head of People and Culture expands his role to oversee the company's learning initiatives and RTO operations after 14 years with the business. More here.

Chrissy Jones takes helm at Flynn Mornington.
The newly appointed associate director will lead operations at Flynn Estate Agents' Mornington office as the company opens its fourth location in 10 months. More here.

Jae Choi to lead Belle Property Sunnybank.
The experienced local agent brings over a decade of market expertise and his established team to Belle Property's newest Brisbane office. More here.

Besser & Co

And finally…

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

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