Russell Yaxley is the President of the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania, bringing more than 30 years of experience in service, communication, and sales. Known for his passion, exceptional negotiation skills, and relentless drive, Russell is a respected and influential leader within Tasmania’s real estate industry.

His early career began in media and advertising, with roles at The Advocate, The Mercury, and later Domain.com.au, where he developed a strong understanding of property marketing and consumer engagement. Russell entered the real estate industry in 2017, completing his Diploma of Property Services and obtaining his Real Estate Agent Licence in 2019. He progressed quickly, becoming a Director, then a Business Owner in 2021 and now serves as a General Manager.

Russell’s leadership journey with the REIT began in 2020 when he joined the Southern Branch. His commitment to raising industry standards and improving member outcomes led to his appointment to the REIT State Board in 2021. Today, as President, he leads with vision, integrity and a strong focus on advocacy with government and stakeholders, to ensure sustainable industry growth.

Russell wants to see the REIT elevate professional standards, support the development of individuals and drive a future focused approach that embraces technology, transparency and leading business practices. His deep market knowledge, sharp attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence are helping to shape the next era of real estate in Tasmania.

Beyond the industry, Russell is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves as Deputy Mayor of Glenorchy City.

With an inclusive, strategic and action-oriented leadership style, Russell is proud to represent the REIT and champion the industry on behalf of its members and the communities they serve.

Adrian was born and raised in Hobart and has worked in the Tasmanian real estate industry since 1990. He is the CEO and one of the founders of View Real Estate which is an independent agency comprising seven sales and property management offices across Tasmania. Adrian’s real estate experience covers a broad range including residential sales, property management and commercial sales including hotels and motels. He is also an accomplished auctioneer having spent a number of years as a full-time auctioneer within his own business specialising in plant and equipment and asset sales for local councils and finance companies. Adrian is a licenced Real Estate Agent, Board Member of the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania as well as a past President of the REIT having served in that role for four years. He also sits on the national Board being the Real Estate Institute of Australia and has recently finished three years as the national President. He is both an Associate and Fellow of the REIA and also sits on the Property Agents Board which is the regulatory authority in Tasmania.

Ananda has been a State Board member since 2017. Prior to establishing Key2 Property in Launceston, Ananda was consistently awarded Sales Agent of the Year in one of Tasmania’s largest Agencies and was nominated as Tasmania’s representative for the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s Achievement Award. Key2 Property has quickly grown into one of the largest agencies in Northern Tasmania proudly winning Agency of the Year at the National Real Estate Institute of Australia Awards. Ananda is a high energy, skilled negotiator committed to her clients and has a strong focus on getting you the best result. She genuinely cares about your individual real estate experience. 

Jeremy is a highly respected and accomplished real estate agent with an impressive 20-year tenure in the industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional service has earned him numerous awards, including being recognized as the best reviewed and most successful agent in Launceston and Tasmania many times.

With a passion for helping people achieve their real estate goals, Jeremy has built a reputation for being well-liked and respected among his clients and peers alike. He takes pride in his ability to understand his clients’ needs and provide tailored solutions that exceed their expectations.

John began his Real Estate Career at the reception desk in 2005 and has since become an ‘in demand’ Real Estate Author, Commentator, Marketing Specialist and sought-after Industry Consultant. John and his award-winning team have been responsible for managing, buying and selling property to the rave reviews of clients all across the country, culminating in hundreds of millions of dollars worth of real estate. John has a Diploma in Property and is the President of the REIT Southern Branch and a member of FIABCI International.

Marnie demonstrates an exceptional level of industry knowledge and experience, having begun her Real Estate career in 2006. Marnie is 100% client focussed and believes face-to-face customer service, where possible, remains key in Real Estate dealings. Marnie is a member of the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT Southern Branch), Australian Vice President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), local member of the Lenah Valley Community Association and a serving Reservist in the Australian Army.

Melissa has been a member of the Northwest Branch since 2021 and was elected President of the Northwest branch in 2024.

Director at LJ Hooker Devonport, Melissa has a strong sense of justice and is brave enough to tackle the hard tasks, have the difficult conversations, and do what needs to be done with fairness. Melissa has a very clear focus on compliance to minimise risk, to protect all aspects of real estate transactions for her clients and business. With experience in HR and accounting, a previous career in financial planning and banking, various agricultural and hospitality roles and also the incredible feat of being a national and state champion with Latrobe Federal Band on more than one occasion.

Life philosophy: a full life, seizing opportunities, not afraid of failure or looking silly, encouraging everyone else to do the same.

Michael entered the Real Estate industry in 1978 and has predominately specialised in selling residential property. Around 1980 Michael became involved in the REIT Northern Branch, he held the role of secretary/treasurer for 14 years before serving two terms as Branch President. All up Michael has served at State Board level for 15 years including most recently as State President for 3 years, a role he valued immensely.

Michael is currently Tasmania’s representative on the Board of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. Meeting and socialising with colleagues from around the state over many years has always been a highlight for Michael and a great way to keep in touch with market trends throughout the state.

With a professional career spanning over 30 years, Vanessa has proven that a combination of hard work and the ability to create lasting relationships is one of her greatest strengths. As a proud Tasmanian, Vanessa is married with 2 children. Vanessa commenced her real estate career in 2017 and has successfully sold over $150M in property and is recognised as one of the top agents in the Devonport Greater Region. After completing a Diploma in Property, Vanessa and husband Jamie purchased an independent real estate agency in December in 2019. As principal Vanessa has built a successful business becoming McGrath Devonport in October 2022. Vanessa has always been driven to work hard and achieve a high standard. She believes this industry can make you humble and successful or arrogant and broken and is proud to be leading by example on the right path.