The Property Council of Australia has announced the appointment of a new executive director in Victoria.

Danni Hunter will commence her new role on 11 January 2021, taking over from Cressida Wall who took the reigns as chief executive officer of Office or Projects Victoria last month.

Hunter will move on from her role as CEO of non-profit Urban Institute of Australia (UDIA) in Victoria, where she led urban development efforts for the past six years.

Prior to her stint with the UDIA, Hunter has worked with the Property Council and held senior positions in the Victorian state government and the private sector. She has also acted as a non-executive director for several groups.

Ken Morrison, chief executive of the Property Council, said Hunter was the right person to lead the organisation at a time when the industry was being given the government mandate to spearhead the state’s economic recovery efforts post-pandemic.

“We are delighted that Danni will be joining the Property Council’s executive team at this crucial time in Victoria,” he said. “She has been a leading voice in key policy debates in Victoria for many years and is well respected across industry and government.”

Morrison also said that Hunter’s strong leadership, passion, and deep understanding of the industry will be key in steering Victoria’s economy back to the growth track.

Meanwhile, Hunter said she was thrilled to take up her new role at a critical juncture of the industry and the state’s economic recovery.

“While Victoria is now thankfully out of lockdown, the state will still face tremendous challenges as its economy recovers,” she said. “The property industry is resilient and highly adaptable, and I look forward to leading the Property Council in Victoria as we work with our members to evolve the way everyone uses and interacts with property and our built form.”

Hunter said that the Victorian’s government recent state budget announcement was “more than just a vote of confidence in the property industry,” adding it was “a flashing green light, and we are ready to go.”

“The 300,000 Victorians who work in property, construction and development industry are getting to work to build Victoria’s recovery,” she said. “State and federal government stimulus and investment in our post-COVID recovery effort will lock in jobs, create new housing and new communities, and evolve the way we use our spaces and places. Our cities and our regions will tell a positive story of recovery and growth for years to come.”

Morrison also thanked deputy executive director Matthew Kandelaars who will continue to lead the Victorian division in an interim capacity until the new year.