Daniel Petre departs McGrath Estate Agents board

McGrath Limited has announced the appointment of Nigel Dews and Cath Rogers as non-executive directors of the estate agency.

McGrath initiated the search for these candidates after director Daniel Petre (pictured above) indicated he wished to step down.

His AirTree Ventures has recently expanded funds under management from $60 million to over $300 million, necessitating he reduce some of his external commitments.

“I am very sorry to have to leave the McGrath Board, but have to ensure I get back more time to focus on AirTree’s expansion.

"I am very happy to have been able to use my limited time to help McGrath establish a strong management platform for the future and I have great faith in Cameron, John and the team.

"The real estate industry is facing similar changes to service based industries globally, driven largely by technology and I am delighted Cath and Nigel will assist it navigate its future.

"I look forward to tracking its future.”

Board chair Cass O’Connor said Dews’ professional experience encompasses more than 15 years in corporate leadership roles, often leading high-growth start-ups, as well as eight years in strategy consulting. He has been a leader in the digital media and telecommunications industries in Australia as CEO of Vodafone Hutchison Australia, 3 Mobile, and as Chief Executive of the Fairfax Media digital business.

Rogers brings more than 15 years of global experience in venture capital and private equity, investment banking, strategy consulting and technology ventures with firms including Credit Suisse, The World Bank, Accenture, ABN Amro and Anchorage Capital Partners.

As investment director at AirTree Ventures, she has worked closely with outgoing McGrath director Daniel Petre.