Kay & Burton announces seven new equity partners in its new corporate structure

Kay & Burton has announced seven new equity partners into its new corporate structure.

Founded in 1938, Kay & Burton is Melbourne based specialising in prestige property, what they suggest is "an increasingly dynamic market." 

In recent times the business has seen major investments including the development of Kay & Burton Projects as a player in high end off-the-plan new developments. 

Property management businesses have been launched in Armadale and Brighton to meet the needs of an expanding client base.

The firm also implemented “cloud based” technology throughout the organisation to enhance the customer experience, plus a host of cutting-edge digital marketing products that more effectively and efficiently promote properties to active and passive buyers. 

“To maximise the impact of these investments, a corporate structure with a unique equity offering for partners to buy into the entire Kay & Burton Group as opposed to a piece of only one office or division," Kay & Burton's non-executive chairman Rob Edgley said.

In contrast to a franchise model, Kay & Burton operates as one firm working.  

“We are very excited to announce this diverse group of talented and high-performing business professionals as our new equity partners. 

"We are certain that they will be instrumental in taking Kay & Burton to even greater heights,” Kay & Burton's non-executive chairman Rob Edgley said.

Managing director Michael Gibson sold down his shares for there to be new equity partners.

Kay and Burton’s new equity partners comprise:  

Gary Ormrod

Gary joined Kay & Burton as a property manager in late 1997 and moved into the sales division in 2001. Gary’s client service skills were initially developed in senior positions at National Australia Bank and Crown Casino.  Over the last twenty years, he has honed these skills to be one of Kay & Burton’s most consistent performers, winning the award for 2018 Top Salesperson by transaction volume.

Tom Staughton

Tom has enjoyed a long career at Kay & Burton since graduating from Swinburne University.  Starting in property management, then moving into sales where he has spent the past fifteen years. Through a combination of hard work, attention to detail and a dynamic approach to marketing properties in his care, Tom was recognised by Kay & Burton as a Rising Star in 2013.

Andrew Sahhar

Andrew has experienced success in selling property in Melbourne's most prestigious suburbs, since joining Kay and Burton South Yarra in 2007. He previously graduated with Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) gaining skills in negotiating, project and risk management as a team member working in international construction companies. 

Rebecca Edwards

Rebecca has been a member of the Hawthorn office since September 2011 and has built an reputation during her 12 years in the real estate industry.  As a lifelong Kew resident, she has an understanding of the market place and demographics across the Boroondara and Yarra environs.  Rebecca was recognised by Kay & Burton as a Rising Star in 2016 and won the 2016 and 2017 Top Salesperson by transaction volume award.  

Grant Samuel

Grant joined Kay & Burton’s South Yarra office in July 2014 and has extensive experience at a director’s level in sales and corporate marketing roles. Grant was awarded the company’s Rising Star Award in 2016 followed by the 2018 Top Salesperson of the Year.

Lou Opie

Currently the COO, Lou joined Kay & Burton in February 2016 with a wealth of experience gained from her 23 years as a chartered accountant in the financial services sector in Australia, London and the Middle East.  Lou’s skills and experience in investment banking and funds management span across finance, operations, risk & compliance, IT, marketing and HR.

Carolyn Purnell-Webb

Carolyn joined Kay & Burton in September 2016 to lead the property management division after running her own property management consultancy and training business for 16 years.  Under her guidance, the property management division has become one of the fastest growing divisions at Kay & Burton.  Carolyn has been recognised by the company and received the Outstanding Leadership award in both 2017 and 2018.  She has an MBA from Griffith University and will complete a law degree in 2019.