Clem De Rosa Appointed Operations and Growth Manager
Barry Plant Mildura has made a significant addition to its leadership team, with Clem De Rosa stepping into the full-time role of Operations and Growth Manager.
A well-regarded figure in Mildura’s real estate and business community, Clem brings extensive experience in land development, property sales, project management and mentoring – an appointment that Director Matt Mason says will help elevate the business to new heights.
Clem has maintained longstanding relationships with Barry Plant Mildura Directors Tense Venneri and Matt Mason for over 20 years, a key factor in his decision to join the agency.
“Our shared vision for growth and our long-term friendship with Clem were instrumental in bringing him on board,” said Matt. “This isn’t just a hire – it’s a pivotal move to drive the business forward.”
Clem and Matt’s connection dates back to 2001, when they first met at a local football club – Clem as the reserves coach, and Matt as a player. Their paths crossed again years later in a professional capacity at a major real estate network, where they worked together before Clem departed in 2012 to establish and lead the newly formed property division of an accounting firm. That division eventually became CDR Property, named after Clem’s initials, and focused on investment properties, project management, land sales and property subdivision.
CDR Property was thriving but at the start of this year, Tense Venneri casually floated the idea of Clem returning to a traditional real estate setting.
“I’ve had a long-standing friendship with Tense, and during a casual chat, he made a throwaway comment that I should come work at Barry Plant,” Clem said. “At the time, I wasn’t sure how serious the offer was. But a month later, I spoke with Matt, and it became clear they were serious. From there, we mapped out a role that made sense for everyone.”
That role – Operations and Growth Manager – will capitalise on Clem’s 15 years of mainstream real estate experience, as well as the broad skillset he developed while running CDR Property.
Clem’s focus in the new role will span three key areas: mentoring emerging sales agents, further strengthening the Property Management team, and leading recruitment to support continued business growth.
“I love mentoring,” Clem said. “I’ve coached footy for years and genuinely enjoy helping people develop. If this had been a pure sales role, it wouldn’t have interested me – but this role allows me to do what I enjoy most: working with people and helping them grow.”
He’s also enthusiastic about the return to a team-based environment.
“It’s great to be part of a collaborative team again. The structure, support and culture at Barry Plant made the decision an easy one. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
Matt Mason views the appointment as a strategic move aligned with Barry Plant Mildura’s broader goals.
“We’ve held the largest market share of any agency in Mildura for several years, but we’re not interested in sitting still,” he said. Clem’s arrival is about keeping the foot on the accelerator – increasing support for the team, raising performance, and continuing to grow our market share.”
Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell expressed her enthusiasm for the Mildura office’s continued evolution and market leadership.
“Barry Plant Mildura is not only the leading agency in the region but has deep roots in the local community, and I’m thrilled to see the team continuing to focus on growth, innovation, and strengthening their already dominant position,” Pennell said. “Clem’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the team.”
Clem De Rosa’s appointment marks a significant new phase for Barry Plant Mildura, heralding a period of strategic growth and opportunity. With a strong emphasis on talent development, team culture and innovation, Clem’s leadership is poised to further cement the agency’s standing as a market leader. Energised by what lies ahead, Clem and the Barry Plant Mildura team are united by a shared vision – to build on their proven success and shape the future of real estate in the region.