HEAD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT | VICTORIA
A standout leader in the property industry, Chelsea’s homecoming in 2024 and her subsequent promotion mark significant milestones for both her and Burgess Rawson. Having launched her career with the agency, her decision to return reflects the strength of its culture, industry reputation, and commitment to professional development.
Now leading asset management in Victoria, Chelsea brings extensive experience, including working with global institutions, to enhance asset performance, mentor her team and drive strong investment outcomes.
Having launched your career with Burgess Rawson, what made you decide to return?
When I came back last year, it felt like the right move. There’s a real sense of trust and familiarity, which made the transition easy. What stands out to me is how long people stay here – it speaks volumes about the supportive culture and the team’s commitment to one another.
Being in an environment where you already know the people and the people makes it feel like home. That, combined with the leadership vision and a solid track record of delivery, is the type of team that gives you the confidence to go, “This is something real that I want to be a part of.’
What excites you most about stepping into the role of Head of Asset Management, Victoria?
I’m excited about stepping into this role because it gives me the chance to mentor and guide the team, help them grow, enhance their skills and watch them develop professionally. Building a strong, supportive environment is key, and I’m eager to foster a collaborative culture where everyone can feel empowered to reach their potential, both individually and as part of the broader group.
How has your experience working with global institutions shaped your approach to asset management?
Working with global institutions has taught me to be strategic, efficient, and always focused on long-term value. Managing a shopping centre for ISPT reinforced the importance of proactive asset management, boosting occupancy, strengthening tenant relationships, and streamlining operations to drive performance. It also highlighted the need for strong governance, sustainability, and staying ahead of market trends. Every decision must add real value and align to long-term success.
How does Burgess Rawson position itself to counter market fluctuations and maintain strong asset performance?
We position ourselves as market leaders by specialising in resilient asset classes like retail, medical, industrial, convenience and lifestyle. These sectors are often underpinned by essential service-based tenants and long-term lease structures, which provide strong ongoing demand from occupiers. We also know that one size doesn’t fit all, so we take a bespoke approach, tailoring our assets and leasing strategies to suit the property, the long-term goals of the client, and the needs of the asset.
By working with nationally recognised brands and essential-service tenants, we increase buyer confidence in the reliability of their income streams. Our data-driven approach ensures we stay ahead of the curve, continuously assessing emerging trends, consumer behaviour, and sector performance.
This ability to adapt and provide strategic insights enables us to maintain strong asset performance, helping clients navigate changing conditions while securing valuable, long-term investments.
What are your immediate priorities in this role?
My immediate priorities are to strengthen asset performance, enhance tenant relationships, and identify opportunities for value creation. I’m focused on ensuring efficient operations, maximising returns, and staying ahead of market trends to deliver strong investment outcomes.
What advice would you give to professionals looking to build a career in asset management?
Build a strong foundation in finance, property and investment fundamentals, but also develop a keen eye for identifying value and managing risk. Asset management is as much about strategic thinking as it is about relationships, understanding tenant and landlord needs, market trends, and investor expectations is key.
Stay curious, keep learning, and be adaptable. The market is always evolving, and those who embrace change and make data-driven decisions will stand out. Most importantly, gain work experience, whether through managing properties, analysing deals, or working with industry leaders, because practical knowledge is invaluable in this field.
“Asset management is as much about strategic thinking as it is about relationships. Understanding tenant and landlord needs, market trends, and investor expectations is key.’