A power struggle between executives at News Corporation and REA Group is complicating the search for a new chief executive for the real estate listings giant, the crown jewel of the Murdoch family’s media empire.

REA chief executive Owen Wilson has told investors he will retire in late 2025 after six years in the top role and a decade with the company. REA owns Australia’s biggest property sales portal, realestate.com.au, and has grown immensely over the past five years – it shares price is up 119 per cent.