Leonie Freeman is a business futurist, entrepreneur and speaker. She is a visionary leader and regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading business women having spent over 25 years disrupting and transforming businesses.  She was appointed CEO of Property Council of New Zealand in December 2018.

Leonie has a unique set of skills and has her finger on the pulse when it comes to transforming businesses and igniting innovation in organisations. Leonie doesn’t just talk about defying disruption or transforming businesses, she lives it with her definition of CPR – Courage; Perseverance; Resilience. She has an ability to craft powerful messages, which are humorous and inspirational, providing clear insights and takeaways which are actionable by all.

In 1996, she created the concept of what is now realestate.co.nz. The venture was originally known as RealENZ.co.nz. It was one of the first major commercial websites launched in New Zealand. Her next project involved the purchase of a small run-down residential property management business. Leonie totally transformed ‘Interactive’ before selling it in 2007.

After a well-earned break, Leonie focused on a contribution in the public sector including executive roles at local and central government levels. She believes that to solve some of our large complex problems in our cities, that we must find innovative and disruptive solution in working together.

With 8 years’ experience in the public sector she decided to again show leadership and courage and in 2016 launched thehomepage.nz. This is a philanthropic and independent initiative with the sole purpose of solving Auckland’s housing crisis and was the Chair of the Auckland Housing Summit (aucklandhousingsummit.co.nz).

In 2011, Leonie was appointed to the board of the listed company – Goodman Property Trust. Leonie is also a member of Global Women, a collaboration of New Zealand’s most influential leaders.

She has been a regular and sought-after print, radio and TV commentator. Leonie has recently been awarded the Property Institutes Life membership and the Supreme Property Award for 2017 and was a finalist in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards. She was awarded the Property Council – Judges Choice Award for 2017 – for her leadership in solving the Housing Crisis.