People Roundup: Frontier Digital Ventures, REW, ImmoScout24 Austria

This week's people roundup starts in Asia, where two cofounders have been recalled to navigate choppy waters...

Asia: Frontier Digital Ventures appoints co-founders as non-executive directors

Frontier Digital Ventures (FDV) has nominated co-founders Patrick Grove and Luke Elliott to join its board as non-executive directors, pending shareholder approval.

Both Grove and Elliott co-founded the Malaysia-based marketplaces operator in 2014 alongside CEO Shaun Di Gregorio and are among the company’s largest indirect shareholders. FDV said the pair bring “over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at iProperty Group,” which was acquired by REA Group in 2016.

"Their demonstrated track record of creating value, combined with deep strategic and operational expertise, will add meaningful insight and capability to the board," the company said.

The board reshuffle comes amid a period of underperformance for FDV, which has seen its share price more than halve in the past year. Shares closed at AUD0.26 ($0.16 U.S.) on April 10. The company is aiming to reach positive free cash flow in 2025 and improve shareholder returns.

Shaun Di Gregorio, CEO at FDV, said:

“We recognize that the decline in our share price over the last 12 months has been concerning for shareholders. This only sharpens our commitment to achieve positive free cash flow in 2025 to provide a strong platform for sustainable growth.”

FDV also announced that Anthony Saines will retire as a director, while non-executive chairman Anthony Klok and non-executive director Mark Licciardo will step down.

North America: Real Estate Wire appoints new GM after Bray's departure

Canadian real estate portal Real Estate Wire (REW) has named Kent MacDonald as its new General Manager, following the departure of Simon Bray from the executive role. Bray, who led the business for the past five years, will remain with the company in an advisory capacity after moving to the German marketplace Kleinanzeigen.

MacDonald steps into the top job after nearly four years with REW, most recently serving as Vice President of Technology. He now leads the executive team, which includes Vice President of Sales Lawrence Liu, Director of Marketing Aaron Eccles, and Director of Operations Ravneet Gill.

“I have been lucky to be at REW for the past four years and feel grateful to take on this leadership role,” MacDonald said. “I am excited to continue my journey with the incredible team at REW to help our agents and Homeseekers succeed as we all navigate the real estate world together.”

In his new role, MacDonald is expected to focus on delivering stronger agent-facing tools, improving the company’s customer service experience, and building out REW’s presence in the new homes space. Key priorities include boosting performance on premium agent products like Marquee listings and Apex digital branding, both aimed at increasing exposure and visibility for agents.

He will also advise on REW’s content direction, which includes RealTours, The Guide, and newsletters, while strengthening the company’s relationship with developers across British Columbia.

REW said MacDonald’s appointment is intended to support its long-term vision of becoming the go-to real estate guide for both home seekers and professionals.

Europe: ImmoScout24 Austria appoints new MD

Joseph Obiegbu has been appointed the new managing director at ImmoScout24 Austria.

Obiegbu's was an internal promotion, having spent the previous six years at the company. In a post on the company's LinkedIn account, ImmoScout24 Austria said:

Since joining the Scout24 Group in 2018, he has repeatedly proven himself as Head of Finance & HR as well as through his deep understanding of the Austrian real estate market and has continuously developed his expertise. Born in Vienna, he also brings valuable experience from his time as COO at Shpock and has been Managing Director of the Scout24 subsidiary Exploreal Gmbh since the beginning of the year.

Obiegbu will be responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Customer Care.