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Harcourts Victoria has nabbed a new franchise development manager and corporate auctioneer.
Vanessa Jeans is taking on the role with the network, citing the “infectious” energy and leadership of chief operations officer Lisa Pennell and chief executive Adrian Knowles, having worked with both executives previously.
“It has always been clear that their values align with my own and I am beyond excited to get onboard this journey with them,” she shared.
Taking on the title from 26 April, Ms Jeans said her new role would continue to allow her to “work with the best people in the industry”.
“Real estate is of course all about relationships and working with people who inspire me is something that motivates me above all else,” she said.
“I’m also excited to be able to assist the Harcourts network as an auctioneer and am looking forward to the opportunity to further develop this aspect of the business.”
Long before she embarked on a career in the auction space, Ms Jeans first joined the industry in a property management role before going to corporate in a support role, then state administrator, and executive assistant to the CEO. She’s even spent some time in the recruitment management space.
“When I first began, I had the pleasure of working for two phenomenal female leaders, Andrea McNaughton and Kristy Bartlett,” Ms Jeans began.
“As a young female, in an otherwise male predominant industry, it was a rare opportunity to be mentored by strong women and one I will always treasure.”
She also shares that mentoring from the likes of Domenic Belfiore, Stephen Dullens and Matthew Condon has had an impact, stating that “it has been a pleasure working with each and every one of them”.
For Ms Jeans, the opportunity to again be mentored by “a strong and successful woman” played into her decision to join Harcourts, with the new franchise development manager sharing that working with Ms Pennell again “was a big part of the reason to join Harcourts”.
“I’m thrilled to [be] working with Lisa again,” she continued.
She has also confided that “navigating the challenges of balancing both a professional and family life seems slightly less daunting with a support network around you that can really relate”.
Harcourts Australia CEO Adrian Knowles is already speaking highly of the new recruit.
“Her skill set feeds straight into Harcourts’ vision of the best people in the best roles for the best results,” he said.
“We’re excited and delighted to have Vanessa come onboard.”
Harcourts Victoria CEO Tony Morrison has doubled down on Mr Knowles’ praise, stating that “having Vanessa as Victoria’s FDM means our franchises will enjoy a special new level of support. And as corporate auctioneer, Vanessa will bring a unique perspective to one of our most important processes.”
Ms Jeans expressed her confidence that together with the national leadership team, they would “make a significant impact on the industry I love”.
“For us, it’s only blue skies ahead,” she shared.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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