REA Executive Quits After CEO Snub

REA Group's Chief Product and Audience Officer, Melina Cruickshank, has quit the company after being overlooked for CEO.

Cruickshank, who led REA’s 800-strong consumer product and advertising division, was a leading internal candidate to replace outgoing CEO Owen Wilson alongside chief customer and commercial officer Kul Singh.

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported that Cruickshank resigned her position, officially, to spend time with her family.

However, the AFR cited sources close to the company who revealed Cruickshank was unwilling to uproot her family to move to the company's headquarters in Melbourne. The position ultimately went to Cameron McIntyre, the head of CAR Group.

"My thanks to Owen for his vision, leadership, and humour. And to the incredible people of Product & Audience, it’s been a complete privilege," she said.

The departure means REA Group will now need to fill Cruickshank's position as a matter of priority. She leaves the business after nearly seven years at REA Group, spending the past three years as CPAO. She previously led Proptrack, REA Group's property data and analytics business, and spent an additional three years as CMO.

REA Group saw revenues jump 15% in its full-year results for 2025, released in August.