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Antonia Mercorella
CEO. Board Director.
Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), where she has made significant contributions since her appointment in 2014. Notably, she is the first female and youngest CEO in the organization's 100-year history, leading it through transformative changes to become one of Australia's most progressive industry associations.123
Professional Background
Before becoming CEO, Mercorella served as the Deputy CEO and General Counsel at REIQ. She has a robust legal background, having worked as a principal legal advisor for the Real Estate Institute of South Australia and as a commercial lawyer specializing in property and real estate.23 Her legal expertise has been instrumental in shaping significant real estate legislative reforms across various jurisdictions in Australia.3
Achievements
Under her leadership, REIQ has set new benchmarks in diversity and governance, fostering an inclusive environment within the real estate sector. Mercorella's efforts have been recognized with her nomination as a finalist for the 2024 Lord Mayor's Business Awards in the Business Person of the Year category, reflecting her impact on both the industry and the community.12 She is also known for her advocacy work related to sustainable real estate practices and tackling homelessness.1
Community Involvement
Beyond her professional role, Mercorella actively participates in community initiatives. She has served as an ambassador for The Forgotten Women and held board positions in educational institutions like Sycamore School.1 Her commitment to social justice and humanitarian values is influenced by her background as the daughter of Italian migrants.1
Leadership Philosophy
Mercorella emphasizes effective conflict resolution and communication as key leadership skills. She believes that addressing difficult issues head-on leads to transformative change within organizations. Her approach focuses on collaboration and building strong relationships with team members to achieve shared goals.2
In summary, Antonia Mercorella stands out as a pioneering leader in Queensland's real estate sector, combining her legal expertise with a strong commitment to community service and progressive governance.


