Mitch Peereboom and Andrew Bell are at the centre of a generational shift at Ray White on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast real estate powerhouse Ray White Surfers Paradise (RWSP) has appointed two young guns to take the helm after a tumultuous few years navigating its succession plan.
Local industry stalwart Andrew Bell has stepped down after more than three decades of dominance, handing the reigns to Brisbane talents, Mitch Peereboom and Christian Hamilton.
The incoming duo, already the owners of Ray White Wilston, have proven their mettle by doubling the performance of the inner-north Brisbane business over the past 12 months, and now aim to replicate that success on the Gold Coast.
Andrew Bell spearheaded the nation’s largest annual auction program, The Event. Picture: Celeste Humphrey
The Bell brothers grew RWSP into a Glitter Strip industry juggernaut
This transition marks the end of an era for brothers Andrew and Greg Bell, who purchased RWSP 36 years ago and grew it from a 16-person team to a network of 11 offices at one point with more than 300 staff.
Ray White Queensland CEO Jason Andrew said the appointment followed a nationwide search for leaders to take over the “exceptional enterprise” built by the Bells.
“But there can only be one AB, and we have found three groups of new leaders to take his business over,” Mr Andrew said.
“We acknowledge we have had a few false starts at this succession plan, that is not a secret, but I believe we have found the right people to lead and move Ray White forward on the Gold Coast.
“The focus for Ray White Queensland was to drive the success beyond even our halcyon days with new leadership.”
Mitch Peereboom is an auctioneer and already owns a Ray White agency in Brisbane. Picture: Jerad Williams
In 2022, Charles Higgins served a short-lived stint in a newly created role of head of residential at RWSP while Mr Bell stepped down as CEO but stayed on as chair of the respected local business. Mr Higgins left less than two years later, returning to his old role in with McGrath in Brisbane.
Mr Bell, who spearheaded Australia’s largest annual auction event, will retain key roles under the Ray White banner, leading a new Southport headquarters and continuing as chair of the Ray White Bell Group encompassing Ray White Commercial Gold Coast, Ray White Southport Residential and Ray White Hope Island.
Andrew Bell and brother Greg will open a new Ray White Southport headquarters. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Southport was described as a “sleeping giant” of the residential and commercial property scene
MORE NEWS
Rush season sale for popular Hinterland campground
13 skylights: Now that’s a bright idea
Buyers want luxury on the beachfront
Mr Bell said Southport was a “sleeping giant” of the Coast’s residential and commercial property scene.
“By nature, we are entrepreneurs, we’re builders, we’re growth orientated. We get itchy feet, we’re onto the next big challenge,” Mr Bell said.
“This is really exciting for us. It’s our next step in our careers, and such a significant one.
“We’ve accumulated so much experience and knowledge that we are ready to apply to this important central market of the coast.”
Alongside RWSP, Ray White Main Beach has been handed to luxury property specialist Michael Willems, while Ray White Benowa now falls under the ownership of Simon Finlayson, Brad Wilson, and Jason Atkinson.
The new leadership structures take effect May 12.
English (US) · 