The Residential Tenancies Authority’s search for a new chief executive officer has ended with the appointment of former superannuation executive Steve Davidson.

Mr Davidson, who will start with the RTA on 4 August 2025, brings more than 20 years’ experience of regulatory compliance, stakeholder relations, and risk management to the role, most recently from the Australian Retirement Trust (ART).

In 2021, Mr Davidson headed Sunsuper’s integration with QSuper which resulted in ART, the second largest superannuation fund in Australia, the following year. 

The announcement coincides with new appointments to the RTA Board. Brook Monahan, founder and managing director of Mosaic Property Group, will serve as the new chair of the RTA Board, replacing Steve Ryan. Three new board directors have been appointed – Paul Spiro, Connie McKee and Colin Cassidy – to replace outgoing directors Janet Benson, Nathanael Edwards, and Patrick Morgan.

Acting CEO Kristin Spruce congratulated incoming CEO Mr Davidson on his selection from a competitive field of applicants.

‘Steve has a strong record of bringing about strategic organisational change and we are fortunate to have him join us,’ Ms Spruce said.

‘His leadership values and deep understanding of stakeholder and staff engagement make him the obvious choice to lead the RTA through its next chapter.’

Mr Davidson said it would be a privilege to continue the RTA’s work as a fair, valued and impactful regulator.

‘I feel honoured to be given the chance to work with sector stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

‘I’m also looking forward to working with the talented RTA staff to learn more about our service delivery, the trends they’re seeing in our Contact Centre and how we can continue to fulfill the vision and deliver with purpose.’

Mr Davidson, who will soon begin work with the RTA Board on the authority’s new strategic plan, replaces Jennifer Smith, who led the RTA for 7 years before stepping down in April 2025.