Village Building Company’s new CFO Julia Pooley, current CEO Vincent Whiteside and new CEO Rob Fisher. Vincent Whiteside strengthened the company’s focus on community investment, including through partnerships with Hands Across Canberra, Menslink, National Opera Canberra and the Canberra Raiders NRLW team. Photo: Village Building Co.
After more than three decades with The Village Building Company, chief executive Vince Whiteside will retire next month, marking the end of a long career that helped shape the developer’s growth across the ACT, NSW and Queensland.
Deputy CEO and CFO Rob Fisher will take the reins as the company’s next CEO, while Deputy CFO Julia Pooley will move into the CFO role.
Village chairman John McCarthy said the board was deeply grateful for Mr Whiteside’s leadership and confirmed Mr Fisher had been identified some time ago as a natural successor to guide the company into its next chapter.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I acknowledge Vince’s outstanding contribution to the Company and the development industry in Canberra. I wish him a relaxed and happy retirement,” Mr McCarthy said.
“The Board identified Rob some time ago as a potential successor as CEO, and I have every confidence that he brings the right commercial experience to the role which, with a strong handover from Vince, positions us well for the future.”
Mr Whiteside was recognised this year by the Property Council of Australia with the Allan Wylucki Award for Leadership. Photo: Property Council ACT.
Mr Whiteside joined The Village Building Company in 1993 and played a key role in shaping its strategy, culture and growth.
During his time as CEO, the company achieved record profitability, expanded its development pipeline, and strengthened its focus on community investment, including through partnerships with Hands Across Canberra, Menslink, National Opera Canberra and the Canberra Raiders NRLW team.
Mr Whiteside also championed the company’s donation of land to the Ricky Stuart Foundation, and was recognised this year by the Property Council of Australia with the Allan Wylucki Award for Leadership.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Whiteside said it had been a privilege to lead the company through such a dynamic period.
“The company is in a strong position, and I am confident that under Rob’s leadership it will continue to thrive,” he said.
Rob Fisher joined The Village Building Company as CFO in 2021, having previously been CFO & COO of Windlab Limited, an ASX-listed renewable energy developer.
Before that, he worked at CIC Limited on local development projects including Forde, Crace and Googong.
Founded in 1988, The Village Building Company has delivered more than 18,000 dwellings and $3.3 billion in property sales, maintaining its community-owned model and focus on sustainable, connected development.
