Property Finder Appoints REA Group CEO Owen Wilson to Board

Property Finder, a Dubai-based property portal, has appointed Owen Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of REA Group, to its Board of Directors.
Wilson brings extensive executive and operational experience, including nearly a decade at REA Group.
He joined the Australia-based company as Chief Financial Officer before being appointed Chief Executive Officer.
REA Group, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) with a market capitalisation of approximately US$ 20 billion, is known for operating realestate.com.au, an Australian property platform.
The company is majority-owned by News Corp and was previously a shareholder in Property Finder.
During his tenure, Wilson led REA Group through a period of consistent growth and international expansion.
The business has gained a reputation as one of the most advanced digital real estate companies globally.
Wilson's appointment to Property Finder's Board reflects the company's focus on strengthening governance, enhancing innovation, and continuing to develop its services for home seekers, buyers, and partners in the region.
Owen Wilson said:
'I've long admired Property Finder's bold vision and the transformative role it plays in reshaping real estate across the MENA region. Under Michael's leadership, the team's relentless focus on innovation, customer experience, and data-driven decision-making closely aligns with the values I've championed throughout my career. I'm excited to support Michael and the Board as the company embarks on its next chapter of growth and continues to shape the future of property search.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Campaign ME

32 minutes ago

• Campaign ME

Multiply Media Group expands to the UK, partners with Wildstone

Multiply Media Group (MMG) has announced a strategic long-term partnership with the UK's Wildstone, one of the world's largest owners of outdoor media infrastructure with a portfolio of over 5,400 panels. This partnership gives MMG, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company Multiply Group exclusive rights to manage and operate a portfolio of premium digital out-of-home (DOOH) sites in central London. The move marks a significant step in the Group's strategy to create a borderless, tech-enabled media powerhouse. These assets will be commercialised and operated by BackLite Media, a subsidiary of MMG. 'Expanding into the UK marks a pivotal step in MMG's global growth journey,' said Jawad Hassan, Head of Media and Communications Vertical at Multiply Group.' He noted the Wildstone partnership enables the Group's ambition by providing it with immediate scale. 'Positioned as a strategic launchpad into international media markets, London offers the ideal setting for us to deliver meaningful brand experiences across one of the world's most iconic urban landscapes,' Hassan said. The first operational asset taken over is the Wandsworth Roundabout, which was among 13 high-traffic sites acquired by Wildstone from Transport for London (TfL) earlier this year. The site features four large-format digital screens and is situated on one of London's busiest junctions, with bi-weekly impacts of 6.2 million. 'Partnering with Wildstone deepens our presence in a mature, high-impact market and extends Backlite's premium inventory beyond the UAE,' said James Bicknell, Group CEO of Multiply Media Group. 'Through MMG, we are embracing the evolving media landscape that powers dynamic and impactful campaigns – and this collaboration marks an important step in delivering on that promise at a global scale.' Further adding to the conversation, Damian Cox, Global CEO and Founding Partner of Wildstone, said: 'We are excited to partner with MMG as they bring their forward-thinking approach to London's DOOH market.' 'This collaboration reflects our vision to elevate the standards of urban media infrastructure and help deliver more impactful DOOH campaigns for advertisers across London,' Cox added. Multiply Media Group was officially launched in June 2025, uniting three of the UAE's market-leading out-of-home (OOH) companies – BackLite Media, Viola Media and Media 247 – under a single, tech-enabled media house headquartered in the UAE. The launch took place at the World Out of Home Organization (WOO) Annual Congress in Mexico City and was marked by a bold global DOOH takeover that illuminated cities and screens worldwide with MMG's presence. This international move into London marks MMG's first major expansion beyond the Middle East, reflecting Multiply Group's global growth strategy. With a market cap of over $7.2bn, Multiply Group aims to continue to build scale and impact across its verticals through disciplined, future-facing investments. Finally, MMG claims to be actively exploring further market entries in other global cities. This expansion sets the stage for new acquisitions, partnerships, and investments that align with MMG's mandate to reshape the media sector through scale and forward-looking strategies.

Campaign ME

32 minutes ago

• Campaign ME

Precise Communications expands leadership team with key hires

Precise Communications, part of Altruist Technologies, has announced three senior appointments as the agency looks to drive its next phase of growth, navigate new market opportunities and strengthen client partnerships. Ravi Goshalia joins as Director of Sales, bringing more than two decades of experience in strategic alliances across Africa and the Middle East. A seasoned media professional, Goshalia will lead the agency's commercial efforts with a focus on growing the portfolio in an AI-driven marketing environment. 'I am thrilled to take on this role. The marketing industry is on the cusp of change, thanks to the emergence of AI, and I am honoured to lead the expansion of Precise Communications' portfolio through this exciting shift,' he stated. Mark Samuel steps in as Creative Director. An advertising industry veteran known for brand strategy and concept development, Samuel's appointment signals the agency's intention to elevate its creative offering. 'This is going to be a thrilling time for Precise Communications,' he said. 'We look forward to bringing new brand stories to life.' Also joining the leadership team is Prashant Konda, appointed as Vice President. With more than 20 years of experience in business development and a strong background in telecom and eCommerce, Konda will focus on operational excellence and long-term client growth. 'I look forward to taking Precise Communications forward in its journey. My goal will be to drive operational excellence and expand the agency's footprint by aligning client needs with innovative, results-driven solutions,' he said. Commenting on the appointments, Ingersol Jayakumar, Regional CEO of the agency, said: 'Our new members bring an immense wealth of experience that will be invaluable as Precise Communications navigates new market opportunities and strengthens its client partnerships.' Founded in 1995, Precise Communications is a UAE-based digital agency offering services across creative, performance, and enterprise messaging solutions.

Arabian Business

33 minutes ago

• Arabian Business

Dubai's housing strategy works for the 1% – and the 99%

On one side, a magnet for the ultra-wealthy, Dubai's luxury market dazzles with sky-high towers, private islands, and exclusive communities. On the other, a fast-growing segment of remote workers and digital nomads seek affordable, flexible living arrangements. Distinct yet intertwined, these two worlds shape the city's evolving real estate story in ways that reveal Dubai's unique position on the global stage. A tale of two markets A recent Knight Frank report reveals that Dubai held its title as the world's most active market for homes valued above $10 million for the second year running, recording 435 sales in the luxury segment throughout 2024—almost equal to the combined sales of London and New York. This segment values bespoke experiences, private pools, concierge services, and exclusive golf courses are staples that satisfy buyers craving distinction. Conversely, a new breed of residents has been reshaping demand with radically different priorities. Digital nomads and remote workers, often younger and more mobile, prize flexibility over extravagance. Co-living spaces, furnished apartments, and short-term leases dominate their choices. Dubai's government initiatives, such as the Virtual Working Program launched in 2021, have attracted thousands to settle in the city temporarily. Neighbourhoods like Dubai Internet City, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Al Quoz thrive as vibrant hubs offering affordable options combined with fast internet and easy access to co-working facilities. Shifting consumer needs redefine value The rise of the digital nomad signals a broader change in how people value real estate. For many in this cohort, location is less about proximity to business districts or landmarks and more about community, lifestyle, and adaptability. Their choices often emphasise shared amenities, social engagement, and urban vibrancy. This contrasts sharply with the ultra-wealthy, for whom exclusivity and seclusion form the essence of value. Developers and investors face a balancing act. Catering exclusively to luxury buyers risks overlooking a swelling demographic seeking attainable options. Meanwhile, focusing solely on affordability without quality and lifestyle risks alienating aspirational residents. Dubai's real estate market is bridging this divide, with mixed-use developments like City Walk and District 2020 integrating high-end residences alongside flexible workspaces and community-driven environments. Balancing exclusivity with inclusivity Dubai's real estate success depends on weaving inclusivity into a fabric historically defined by exclusivity. The city's strategic vision acknowledges that prosperity thrives through diversity. Fostering developments that welcome both the ultra-wealthy and the digital nomad, Dubai leverages the strengths of both markets. Take Bluewaters Island, a luxury destination featuring upscale residences, hotels, and entertainment, yet seamlessly connected to the broader city via public transport and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Such an integration invites a wider audience to participate in the lifestyle while preserving the allure of exclusivity. Meanwhile, districts like JVC cater to mid-income residents and remote workers with affordable villas and apartments that offer community spaces and access to retail and leisure amenities. This dual approach strengthens the city's resilience. It cushions market fluctuations by diversifying demand and fuels innovation as different resident profiles bring varied economic activity and cultural influences. The co-existence of exclusivity and inclusivity becomes a driver of sustainable growth rather than a source of conflict. A bridge between two worlds Few cities combine global luxury appeal with a progressive digital workforce as effectively as Dubai. Its geographic location, robust infrastructure, and open economy create a unique gateway connecting East and West, tradition and innovation, wealth and accessibility. The digital nomad trend, while global, finds fertile ground in Dubai due to supportive policies, a thriving startup ecosystem, and world-class amenities. In parallel, Dubai's luxury real estate maintains its position as a haven for capital and lifestyle investment amid shifting geopolitical and economic tides. Globally, cities like London and New York have witnessed similar dualities but struggle with affordability crises and fragmented policy responses. Dubai's ability to strategically nurture both ends of the spectrum offers a model for sustainable urban evolution. A new social contract The co-existence of billionaire playgrounds and digital nomad havens signals a new social contract where diverse aspirations are validated within one cityscape. Urban planners and developers must embrace this complexity as a strength. Designing spaces that encourage interaction between different socio-economic groups could spark innovation and foster empathy. The future belongs to cities that understand how to weave diverse lifestyles together in a smooth and balanced way.