People Roundup: REA Group, CoStar Group, Oikotie

This week's People Roundup starts in Australia, where REA Group is restructuring its Tech team...

Oceania: REA Group cuts Tech jobs, transfers them to India, as CEO search remains quiet

REA Group will make up to 4% of its Australia-based technology team redundant, in a restructuring exercise that will see some of the affected jobs moved to India.

As first reported by the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the layoffs are part of a cost-cutting measure, with one person present suggesting that up to 15% of tech jobs could be cut. It is the first meaningful round of redundancies at REA Group since 2019, when circa 60 people lost their jobs.

An REA Group spokesperson told the AIM Group:

"By simplifying our team structures to create faster and more flexible ways of working, we can continue to deliver the best outcomes for our consumers, customers, and shareholders.

"Our development team in REA India is an extension of our team here in Australia and ensures we have the right mix of skills and technology in place to execute on our ambitious strategy."

The AFR's story suggested morale at REA Group is low, given the company's ongoing search for a new CEO and the imminent arrival of CoStar.

Owen Wilson announced his departure from REA Group in February 2025. Six months later, the search for his replacement is quiet. Meanwhile, the for-now rudderless ship is set for a major challenge in the shape of CoStar, which is progressing its acquisition of REA Group's biggest rival, Domain.

Europe: CoStar appoints senior executive to European role

CoStar Group has promoted one of its senior executives as the company seeks to embed itself more deeply in European markets.

Alexa-Maria Rathbone Barker will become head of CoStar Europe after spending three years as Head of European Sales.

Rathbone Barker previously spent a decade at Bloomberg.

Robin Rossmann, managing director of Europe at CoStar Group, said:

"Alexa’s extensive experience, deep knowledge of the commercial real estate landscape, and her clear understanding of our clients’ evolving needs make her the ideal choice to lead CoStar’s efforts across the UK and Europe."

Oikotie executive departs after nearly a decade

Anna Leinonen has left Vend (formerly Schibsted Marketplaces) after nine years at Oikotie, where she served as product director after joining the company in 2016. She was most recently promoted to the role of Business Director for Nordic Real Estate in February 2024.

Commenting on her departure on LinkedIn, Leinonen said:

"Today, I’m closing the door on Oikotie for the last time. These years have been full of many great moments, proud achievements, new things to learn, and people I will always remember."

Oikotie is one of Finland's leading real estate marketplaces, competing against Etuovi.com and Vuokraovi.com, which are both operated by Alma Media.