Board Of Directors

Board of Directors

Cain Cooke - Chair

Cain Cooke is the Independent Chair of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) and Director of the national representative body the Real Estate Institute of Australia.

A dynamic leader, strategist and problem solver, transformation and growth have been the hallmark of 2 decades leading brands such as Century 21, Boost Juice, Specsavers, Cibo Espresso and Discovery Parks. Currently he is CEO of electric motorbike company LEKI and modular housing manufacturer ModMade.

Cain is a believer in delivery through collaborative partnerships and is passionate about effective multi-stakeholder engagement. He has an extensive track record of delivering high performance across dynamic multifunctional businesses in information technology, healthcare, retail, hospitality, property & tourism.

An experienced executive and director, Cain is a South Australian InDaily 40 Under 40, Industry Leaders Fund Scholar, having attended Harvard in 2023, Lecturer in the AIB MBA Program and holds a number of directorships including Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.

Directors who are Members of the Company

Emma Slape

Emma Slape has a long connection with REISA after serving as an employee for 10 years from 2003-2013. Since leaving the REI, she has been the Chief Executive Officer of Turner Real Estate.

The connections made at REISA never left her and she has always been a strong advocate for the industry. Emma is a believer that industry can only be strong together and she has a genuine understanding of what can be achieved through a united front presenting a strong voice. She is focused on ensuring that the stability of the REI is restored, policy and media commentary is raised and the membership aligns with the future of the Institute.

Matthew Smith

Matt Smith is currently the Managing Director of Klemich Real Estate. Matt is a Director of Klemich Property Management and a number of private companies.

One of South Australia’s premier residential sales agents having been awarded the prestigious REISA Salesperson of the Year on three occasions, Matt offers over 17 years of industry experience, which has seen him sell well over 1,000 homes. Further, Matt has received numerous accolades as one of the state’s top auctioneers.

Matt is the past President of the State’s peak professional association, the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers, and remains a Board Advisor.

As Managing Director of Klemich Real Estate he leads the businesses and the team. Matt brings a deep understanding of the key needs and issues that relate to real estate agencies.

Suzannah Toop

Suzannah Toop is currently the CEO and Director of Toop+Toop Property Management.

Suzannah is an experienced Board Director and CEO. Formerly CEO of Toop+Toop Real Estate, Suzannah brings both proven strategic and entrepreneurship skills to the REISA board through her executive experience and further, having been the founder of two successful start-ups; Virtual Agent and Lululiv. Suzannah has played a key role in Toop+Toop’s innovation credentials and enjoys thinking creatively to solve problems while working out new and better ways to add value to clients.

Suzannah is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Bond University with a Bachelor or Laws and Commerce.

This expertise combined with her leadership experience has taught her to think logically, consider all viewpoints and take decisive action. Suzannah’s lived experience in real estate, coupled with a mindset of continuous improvement, creativity and learning, allows Suzannah to make a valuable contribution to the board.

Directors

Cathie Brown

Cathie Brown is currently the CEO of the Leaders Institute of South Australia. Cathie is an experienced executive and non-executive director and has developed and executed strategy, led major organisational change and performance optimisation projects, marketed organisations and brokered agreements both nationally and internationally.

She is an experienced Board Member and Board Chair with Directorships either presently or previously held by Cathie including, The Leadership Network Board, SATAC Board, University of South Australia, Master of Business Administration Advisory Group and Co-chair of the Flinders University/University of South Australia/Adelaide University and TAFE collaboration committee.

Cathie has a Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts.

James Black

James Black is currently CEO and Director of Perks Accountants and Wealth Advisors. Currently a director of Regional Development Australia, Yorke and Mid North and Glenelg Community Hospital and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. A highly driven and results-focused executive with proven strategy and execution capability having delivered successful outcomes across technology start-ups, large proprietary and ASX listed companies, James has a demonstrated history of working collaboratively with boards and leadership teams to drive optimal business performance.

He has an outstanding ability to lead people, build and manage complex relationships, communicate effectively and drive results working with dispersed teams. With his extensive experience, James provides operational accountability, cultivating engaged and collaborative teams that transcend performance benchmarks. James has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Agricultural Business and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

David Colovic

David Colovic is currently a Principal at LK Law (formerly Lipman Karas).

With a career spanning over 30 years, David is a prominent Australian legal practitioner in the areas of Commercial Litigation and Insolvency and has been involved in an array of significant Australian insolvency administrations and litigation. He has been lead adviser to several major Australian financial institutions and various other non-bank funders on property related enforcement matters and legal adviser to various significant real estate practices over his career.

David has previously practiced law at Corrs Chambers Westgarth (Solicitor), Thomsons (Solicitor and Partner), Kelly & Co (Partner) and HWL Ebsworth (Partner). He is an experienced Director currently holding Not for Profit Board positions as well as being Chair of the Football Federation SA Disciplinary Tribunal. He is a member of the Law Society of South Australia Committee, Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA) Committee, Law Council of Australia and the Law Council Insolvency and Reconstruction Committee. Australian Legal Business has rated David in the top 100 lawyers in Australia. David has a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Economics and has completed the Real Estate Practice Course.

Marc Taintey

Marc Taintey is currently the CEO of the Fairmont Group.

Marc is an experienced company director and executive with 20 plus years’ experience leading, transforming, and growing multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary national and international businesses. His experience also includes both executive and director roles in both real estate (Harcourts International Limited) and Deloitte (Associate Director) demonstrating a wealth of experience relevant to REISA

A strong people person with a natural ability to lead and build trusting relationships, Marc has worked with varying governance models spanning sole owner entrepreneurial visionaries, NFP, advisory and boards, developing strategy, ensuring adequate governance and risk management, and delivering results.

Marc is qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With proven experience as a CEO / COO / CFO in large private and public organisations, his career achievements demonstrate a track record of development and execution of strategy to drive sustainable returns for stakeholders.