MEDIA RELEASE
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) today announced the appointment of Toby Balazs as Chief Executive Officer, commencing 10 November 2025.
Sam Hatzistamatis, REIV President, said Mr Balazs’ extensive industry experience and high-performance credentials distinguished him as the standout leader to progress the REIV’s vision.
“An authentic contemporary business leader, with a track record of driving growth and effecting change through collaboration and innovation, Toby is expertly placed to lead the REIV in its role as the state’s peak real estate representative body,” Mr Hatzistamatis said.
Mr Balazs brings more than 20 years’ real estate and property technology sector experience. The current COO at property and financial investment advisory company, Empower Wealth, he was previously the CEO of property listing platform realestateview.com.au. This followed more than 13-years working at REA Group across sales, marketing, strategy and operations leadership roles.
As CEO, Mr Balazs will be responsible for leading the delivery of the REIV organisational strategy, including its ambition to deliver sector leading services, education and training, and accelerate its government engagement and advocacy efforts at a crucial time for Victoria’s property sector.
Mr Hatzistamatis confirmed that the appointment by the REIV Board followed a comprehensive, nation-wide selection process conducted over recent months.
“Amid the ongoing housing crisis, heightened regulatory scrutiny and a complex stakeholder network, the contemporary Victorian property sector represents an increasingly challenging operating environment,” Mr Hatzistamatis said.
“What became clear through the selection process was that Toby possessed the ideal combination of industry know-how and future-focused leadership credentials to enable the REIV to successfully navigate these challenges.
“Toby’s proven ability to strategically implement technology in enhancing business function means he is ideally-placed to build on the likes of the recent launch of our VicForms 2.0 platform in meeting the evolving needs of our members.
“As a Board, we look forward to welcoming Toby to the REIV and working together to deliver on the Institute’s agenda.”
Mr Balazs said he was proud to be assuming the leadership of the REIV, and excited by the Board’s focus on leveraging best practice innovation and digital solutions in driving continued modernisation and growth.
“The importance of the REIV in building and supporting capability in the sector has perhaps never been more evident, and the Board’s commitment to delivering value for the industry makes this an exciting time to be joining the organisation” Mr Balazs said.
“A high-functioning property sector is vital to the state’s ongoing prosperity, and I feel privileged to represent REIV members and contribute to positive outcomes for an industry I am passionate about.”
Mr Balazs’ appointment will see current Interim REIV CEO, Jacob Caine continue in his role as a highly valued REIV director.
“On behalf of the REIV Board and members, I sincerely thank Jacob for ably leading the Institute over recent months and take the opportunity to pay tribute to the significance of his ongoing contribution to the REIV,” Mr Hatzistamatis said.
Media Contact: media@reiv.com.au 03 9205 6607