Property Finder Appoints REA Group CEO Owen Wilson to Board of Directors

Property Finder, the leading property portal across the MENA region, has announced the appointment of Owen Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of REA Group, to its Board of Directors. The move signals the company’s continued commitment to scaling innovation, strengthening governance, and enhancing value for property seekers, buyers, and partners throughout the region.

Wilson brings decades of high-level operational and strategic experience, having spent the over a decade at REA Group, one of the most recognized digital real estate businesses globally. He joined the Australia-based company as Chief Financial Officer before being elevated to CEO, a role in which he has overseen significant growth, digital transformation, and international expansion.

Wilson is set to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer in the second half of 2025, capping a tenure that saw REA Group achieve sustained growth and significant international expansion.Under his leadership, the company, best known for operating realestate.com.au, Australia’s #1 property platform, solidified its position as a global digital leader in real estate. Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) with a market capitalisation of approximately USD $20 billion, REA Group is majority-owned by News Corp, the global media conglomerate founded by Rupert Murdoch. REA was previously a shareholder in Property Finder.

A Strategic Move Toward Regional Growth and Innovation

Wilson’s addition to the Board comes at a strategic inflection point for Property Finder, as the company deepens its commitment to innovation, strengthens its governance structure, and enhances value delivery to home seekers, buyers, and real estate partners across the MENA region.

Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder, welcomed Wilson’s appointment, stating: "Owen brings deep industry expertise to our Board. His leadership at REA Group, shaping digital transformation, driving strategic M&A, and championing customer-first innovation, sets a strong benchmark for the industry. As we continue our mission to change living for good in the region, Owen’s insight will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our purpose and strengthen our position as the regional leader."

Owen Wilson shared his enthusiasm for the new role: "I’m deeply passionate about creating personalised experiences that redefine how people engage with property. I’ve long admired Property Finder’s bold vision and the transformative role it plays in reshaping real estate across the MENA region. Under Michael’s leadership, the team’s relentless focus on innovation, customer experience, and data-driven decision-making closely aligns with the values I’ve championed throughout my career. I’m excited to support Michael and the Board as the company embarks on its next chapter of growth and continues to shape the future of property search."

Building on Momentum in the MENA Market

Property Finder has consistently been at the forefront of digital innovation in real estate across the Middle East and North Africa. The company’s platforms are widely used by millions of home seekers each month, helping to connect users with the latest listings, market insights, and tools for smarter decision-making.

Wilson’s appointment reinforces Property Finder’s ambitions to lead the MENA real estate market not only in scale but in technological sophistication and customer-centric innovation.