Get to Know Your NSW State Committee Member – Christopher Mitrothanasis
In Conversation with Christopher Mitrothanasis, NSW State Committee Member
1. Let’s start at the beginning. What first attracted you to a career in the property profession, and did you always envisage this is where your career would take you?
I fell into the property profession somewhat by chance, but I stayed because I genuinely enjoyed it. From the beginning, I was drawn to the mix of people, property and problem-solving. I enjoyed the investigative side of valuation, but I also liked that it wasn’t a job where you were sitting behind a desk all day. What surprised me was how much there was to learn. Every property is different, every market has its nuances, and every valuation requires you to think critically and exercise judgement. That’s what has kept me interested for more than 30 years. I certainly didn’t imagine, when I started out, that I’d still be in the profession three decades later. But it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of property sectors, navigate changing markets, and build relationships with clients and colleagues that have lasted throughout my career. Looking back, it’s a profession that has given me far more than I ever expected when I first entered it.
2. Looking back over your career, what has been one of the most rewarding or defining moments for you, and why does it stand out?
Looking back, it’s difficult to identify just one defining moment because the profession has given me so many opportunities over the past 30 years. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been watching people I’ve mentored develop into successful professionals and leaders in their own right. What makes that stand out to me is that valuations come and go, markets rise and fall, and projects are eventually completed. The relationships you build and the people you help develop leave a much more lasting legacy. When I reflect on my career, that’s something I’m particularly proud of.
3. You’ve chosen to volunteer your time on the NSW State Committee. What inspired you to become involved, and what does serving the profession mean to you personally?
I’ve always believed that our profession has given me far more than just a career. It’s provided opportunities, challenges, lifelong relationships and the chance to work with some incredibly talented people. As my career progressed, I felt a responsibility to give something back to an industry that has been such a significant part of my life. That’s what inspired me to become involved with the NSW State Committee. It was an opportunity to contribute beyond my day-to-day role and help shape the future direction of the profession. I’ve always been passionate about maintaining high professional standards, supporting the next generation of valuers, and ensuring the profession continues to evolve to meet changing market and community expectations. On a personal level, I’ve also found it incredibly rewarding. Committee involvement allows you to collaborate with passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas and perspectives, and contribute to issues that affect the industry as a whole. It’s given me a broader appreciation of the profession and reinforced the importance of staying engaged and giving back wherever you can.
4. What opportunities or challenges are you most passionate about addressing over the next few years?
One of the biggest opportunities for our profession over the next few years is embracing change while preserving the qualities that make valuers trusted advisers. Technology, data analytics and AI are already changing the way we work, and I see tremendous potential for these tools to improve efficiency and support better decision-making. At the same time, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the professional judgement, critical thinking and market insight that sit at the heart of valuation practice. I’m also passionate about attracting, developing and retaining the next generation of property professionals. As an industry, we need to continue promoting valuation as a rewarding and dynamic career path and ensure graduates are equipped with both the technical skills and practical experience needed to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.
5. If there was one initiative or achievement, you’d like your time on the NSW State Committee to be remembered for, what would it be?
If there was one thing I’d like my time on the NSW State Committee to be remembered for, it would be helping to strengthen the profession for the next generation. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from the guidance, knowledge and generosity of people who were willing to invest their time in others. I’d like to think that, through my involvement with the Committee, I’ve been able to contribute to creating opportunities for emerging professionals and helping ensure they are well equipped for the future. More broadly, I’d like to be remembered as someone who helped promote a profession that is respected, relevant and trusted. Valuers play an important role in supporting investment, lending, government and community decision-making, and it’s important that we continue to demonstrate the value of independent professional judgement.
6. Our profession is constantly evolving. What skills or qualities do you believe today’s property professionals will need to succeed in the future?
After more than 30 years in the profession, one thing I’ve learned is that the ability to adapt is just as important as technical expertise. Today’s graduates are entering an industry that looks very different to the one I joined. They have access to more data, more technology and more information than ever before. The challenge won’t be finding information, but knowing how to interpret it, question it and apply it appropriately. Technology, data analytics and AI will continue to transform the way we work, so future property professionals will need to be comfortable embracing new tools and adapting to change. Communication skills will also be critical. As professionals, we’re not just providing valuations or advice; we’re helping clients understand risk, make informed decisions and navigate increasingly complex issues. The ability to explain technical information clearly and build trusted relationships will continue to differentiate the best professionals.
7. What advice would you give to a young professional or someone considering volunteering with the API for the first time?
When you’re starting out in your career, it’s easy to focus solely on building your technical skills and gaining experience, and those things are obviously important. But some of the most valuable professional relationships, learning experiences and career opportunities come from being involved in the profession beyond your day-to-day role. Volunteering with the API gives you the chance to meet people from different parts of the industry, learn from experienced practitioners and contribute to initiatives that help shape the profession’s future. It’s also a great way to broaden your perspective and develop skills that you might not gain through your regular work, such as leadership, collaboration and strategic thinking. Looking back over my own career, some of the most rewarding experiences have come from the relationships I’ve built and the opportunity to work alongside people who are passionate about the profession. Volunteering allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself and gives you an opportunity to make a positive contribution to an industry that has given so much to many of us. My advice is to put your hand up, be curious, and don’t underestimate the value you can bring. You may be surprised where the experience takes you.
8. Outside of property, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of property, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and making the most of opportunities to switch off from the demands of work. After many years in the profession, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of maintaining balance and taking time to recharge. I also enjoy travelling, exploring new places and getting outdoors whenever I can. While I’ve always been passionate about property, some of the most rewarding parts of life happen away from the workplace, and I try to make the most of those opportunities whenever I can.
9. Is there a book, podcast, mentor or life experience that has significantly influenced the way you lead?
I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from a number of outstanding leaders throughout my career, and I would say those experiences have influenced me more than any single book or podcast.
10. Finally, what message would you like to share with NSW members?
My message to NSW members would be one of thanks and encouragement. I’d like to thank NSW members for the contribution they make every day. It has been a privilege to be part of this profession, and I’m proud to serve alongside people who care so deeply about its future. We are part of a profession that plays an important role in supporting property markets, investment decisions, infrastructure delivery and our broader communities. The work we do often carries significant responsibility, and the trust placed in us is something we should never take for granted. As our profession continues to evolve, I believe we have every reason to be optimistic about the future. New technologies, improved access to data and changing client expectations will create challenges, but they will also create opportunities for us to demonstrate the value of our expertise, judgement and professionalism. I’ve been fortunate to build a career in an industry that has challenged me, rewarded me and introduced me to some remarkable people. If each of us plays a small part in supporting the next generation and strengthening the profession, then I have no doubt that the future of property valuation in NSW will be bright.
Rapid Fire
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird
Kids?
1 (Currently working in the Valuation Industry).
Favourite place in NSW?
Apart from my place, The Hunter Region (Beaches, Wineries and Mountains).
Favourite way to spend a weekend?
Spending time with family & friends, enjoying the great outdoors whilst enjoying a great meal.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Your reputation is your most valuable asset, it takes years to build and minutes to lose”
Posted on November 4, 2026




