Media release - 28^th November, 2014

Former Jetset Travel World Group executive Melissa Chapman has joined leading real estate group Raine & Horne as its new Marketing Manager.

Ms Chapman, whose extensive resume also includes senior marketing roles at Telstra and Outback Queensland Tourism, will be responsible for driving the 131-year old firm’s brand and client engagement, as well as company growth.

“Melissa’s brand management expertise within a franchising environment will be a major plus for Raine & Horne,” said Angus Raine, CEO and Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne.

“She also has a proven ability to build, maintain and capitalise on strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

“Melissa has a deep understanding and experience across local area marketing, working directly with retail franchise outlets, including development of tools for point of sale marketing. This knowledge will prove an excellent resource for our offices.”

Ms Chapman’s appointment is part of a marketing strategy by Raine & Horne that has contributed to a 10% growth in its office network over the past 18 months, according to Mr Raine.

“We have launched a number of exciting staff incentive campaigns and highly visible consumer campaigns, including our current ‘You’re a Winner’ promotion, which will give a lucky vendor the opportunity to win a Mercedes Benz A250, among other major prizes.

“Raine & Horne is in a rapid expansion phase both nationally and internationally, and we are looking to take the next steps to continue to support our clients and market share.”

Ms Chapman’s digital experience will be a major boost to the real estate leader, according to Mr Raine.

“Given Melissa’s background, she is very well qualified to lead our social media strategy in 2015 and beyond, working directly with the digital and communications specialists within our business support and development team,” said Mr Raine.

Ms Chapman said the potential in the digital space was enormous for Raine & Horne, which will launch a refreshed design of its website (rh.com.au) in 2015.

“Social media represents an exciting opportunity to further enhance Raine & Horne’s reputation as an innovative leader in the industry,” said Ms Chapman, who is a communications graduate from the University of Canberra.

“We already have a range of great digital-centric products, from our online consumer magazine, RH Fusion, to our new internal communications platform, Scout. Social media will only serve to build on these strong foundations.

“In my view, an aligned content strategy across digital, marketing, PR and internal communications is extremely important and is an area that I quickly recognised as having some great potential for Raine & Horne.”

Ms Chapman’s retail franchise background will also be an asset to the company and its franchisees.

“Having worked with one of Australia’s largest travel companies, I understand that the relationship between marketing and our franchisees is critical to the success of the brand.”

“I am privileged to work with such a well-known and respected brand, and look forward to continuing to build on Raine & Horne’s success.”

-ENDS-

For further media information please contact:

Angus Raine, CEO/Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager, Raine & Horne on 02 9258 5400

Raine & Horne appoints franchise specialist as marketing manager