RISE Initiative Bolsters National Influence with Appointment of Three High-Profile Industry Leaders

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The RISE Initiative has strengthened its national leadership footprint with the appointment of three prominent figures from across the real estate sector, signalling a continued push to embed mental wellness at the core of industry culture.

Joining the board are Hayley Van de Ven, Adrian Knowles, and Hannah Gill, each bringing a distinct lens across agency leadership, network scale and industry advocacy.

The appointments come at a time when conversations around wellbeing, burnout and sustainability in real estate are accelerating, with RISE positioning itself as a unifying platform to support individuals and businesses navigating increasing performance pressures.

Chairman Nick West welcomed the appointments, noting the strategic importance of aligning influential industry leaders with the organisation’s long-term vision.

He said the addition of Van de Ven, Knowles and Gill enhances the board’s depth of experience and strengthens its ability to expand both the reach and relevance of the RISE message across Australia.

Hayley Van de Ven, Chief Executive Officer of Limitless Group, has built a strong operational presence across Brisbane’s inner eastern suburbs through to the bayside, with a leadership focus centred on performance, culture and people development. Her appointment reinforces the connection between high-performing businesses and the need for structured wellbeing support.

Adrian Knowles brings national scale and international perspective through his role as Chief Executive Officer of Harcourts Australia and shareholder of Harcourts International. His involvement reflects a broader shift among major networks to actively support mental wellness initiatives as part of long-term industry sustainability.

Hannah Gill adds a critical governance and advocacy dimension through her dual roles as Deputy President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and President of REIACT. Her appointment strengthens the alignment between peak bodies and grassroots initiatives aimed at supporting practitioners across the country.

Collectively, the appointments represent a deliberate move by RISE to bridge leadership, advocacy and operational experience, ensuring its initiatives are both practical and scalable.

As the organisation continues to expand its geographical reach and industry engagement, the strengthened board positions RISE to play an increasingly influential role in shaping a more resilient and supported real estate profession.