Harcourts NZ appoints new CEO

Harcourts, New Zealand’s largest and most trusted real estate group, has appointed Chris Kennedy as its new chief executive officer.

Mr Kennedy has been with Harcourts for 23 years, starting as a sales consultant before moving into franchise ownership. He was later appointed business development manager for Harcourts in Christchurch. Most recently he has been the company’s national auction manager and is also a highly regarded, accomplished auctioneer.

He says he is excited and honoured to be taking on the role of CEO for Harcourts NZ.

“It is humbling to be asked to lead a company that has such a high standing in the industry, both here and overseas,” he says.

Harcourts has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted real estate company three years running in the Reader’s Digest annual awards.

“I am fortunate to be taking over at a time when the industry in general, and this company in particular, are in robust health and growing steadily.

“But we aren’t done yet. These are exciting times and I look forward to leading Harcourts NZ into the next phase of its long history, continuing our commitment to providing the highest quality experience for our clients, and continuing to achieve growth and innovation,” Mr Kennedy says.

He takes over from previous Harcourts NZ CEO Hayden Duncan who is moving to a different role within Harcourts Group internationally.

Mr Duncan says it’s hard to imagine a safer pair of hands in which to pass the reins of Harcourts NZ.

“Chris knows Harcourts and the New Zealand real estate landscape inside and out, having worked in the industry for the past 23 years, and in many different roles within the company.

“Most recently he’s worked as our national auction manager which has seen him almost constantly travelling the length of the country working closely, with auctioneers and business owners to really grow the auctions division of our business.

“He is a well-known, well-liked and highly respected individual in Harcourts and the industry, and he will do a fantastic job of leading Harcourts NZ to new heights,” Mr Duncan says.

Harcourts International managing director, Mike Green says Mr Kennedy is an excellent choice to lead Harcourts NZ.

“Chris will bring a huge amount of experience and his strong background in New Zealand real estate to the role and I’m looking forward to seeing Harcourts New Zealand go from to strength under his leadership.”

Mr Kennedy’s appointment is effective from 1st November, 2015.