Andrew Bell of Ray White Surfers Paradise to change roles as McGrath’s Charles Higgins arrives

One of the Gold Coast’s best-known real estate bosses says he will be stepping into a new role as a ‘residential CEO’ is appointed. But he’s not done with the business yet

Gold Coast real estate heavyweight Andrew Bell is set to step down as chief of Ray White Surfers Paradise’s residential division, as growth accelerates in what has become one of Australia’s most successful real estate agencies.

The agency unveiled a new leadership team this week, naming Brisbane agent Charles Higgins as Mr Bell’s successor in the role of CEO for its residential business.

Mr Bell will continue with the group as its chairman.

His brother Greg Bell’s role as head of commercial remains unchanged.

Mr Higgins was previously McGrath’s general manager of sales for Queensland, and that agency’s senior auctioneer.

An auctioneer of 11 years, Mr Higgins has led some of Australia’s best high performing agents. He will take the reins in June.

Mr Bell, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community of the Gold Coast in 2016, will leave the residential role as the group enjoys the best results of its 49-year history.

“Charles is a proven operator and his skill level will enable us to keep growing into the future and he will add a great depth to the management team,” he said.

“His appointment demonstrates our commitment to market leadership in what is undoubtedly one of the most important real estate markets in the country

“We are delighted that Charles has chosen to join us and we look forward to welcoming his energy and creativity. He will become a significant partner in the business, ensuring his impact will be enduring over the long-term.”

Charles Higgins at an auction of an historical home at Spring Hill. Picture: Annette Dew

Ray White said Mr Bell would now focus his attention on supporting Mr Higgins in the role and “on other parts of the Ray White Surfers Paradise juggernaut, including the commercial division plus project management, property management and other franchise offices”.

Mr Bell said the group’s rapid growth had seen his workload stretched, so a new leader with experience in developing sales agents was needed.

Ray White Surfers Paradise Group first started in 1973, with Mr Bell and his brother Greg owning it for more than 30 years.

In this time it has grown into a team of more than 250 people located throughout the Gold Coast.

Mr Bell said, while the ownership structure was unchanged for now, the group “would envisage Charles taking a position of ownership of the residential business in the years ahead”.

Greg Bell said Mr Higgins’ appointment to the residential side of the business would allow the brothers to focus on other parts of the group.

“Andrew and I still own the business 100 per cent,” he said.

“Andrew’s moving to a chairman’s role.

“Andrew and I are focussing more on project marketing, commercial and prestige.”

Mr Bell said Mr Higgins would assist the group with recruitment and auctions.

“Having been at it for 32 years, it’s good to bring some youth into the business,” Mr Bell said.

Gregory and Andrew Bell in front of the former Max Christmas real estate building they took over in Surfers Paradise in 2004. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Mr Higgins said he was excited to join the group at a time of growth.

“I’m very excited by the opportunity I have been given to lead such an iconic business with so many years of success upon which to build, and with so many fantastic people to work alongside,” he said.

“I’m proud to join Andrew and his constituents.”

Ray White Queensland CEO Jason Andrew said the Surfers Paradise group had been instrumental to the entire network’s success.

“It is an enduring business, and this appointment expresses that perfectly.”