Real estate listings veteran Georg Chmiel has moved into a more hands-on role at automotive websites group iCar Asia.

Former chairman Mr Chmiel was today appointed executive chairman of iCar Asia (ASX:ICQ).

iCar shares were up slightly on the news to 24c at 12.30pm AEST Wednesday — perhaps not surprising given Mr Chmiel’s background.

Mr Chmiel is the former managing director and CEO of iProperty Group (ASX:IPP), which was sold to real estate listings giant REA Group for $750 million.

Prior to that he was also managing director and CEO at LJ Hooker, and a chief financial officer at REA Group.

“This move comes at a time of accelerating growth, with a view to strengthening the operating capabilities of the company to take advantage of its increasing opportunities,” iCar said in an announcement to the market on Wednesday.

iCar’s shares have traded between 18c and 37c over the past 12 months.

The company spent $4.2 million in the quarter to June, leaving $18.7 million in cash. It expects to spend another $6.6 million in the current quarter.

In its half-year report last month iCar showed a 41 per cent increase in revenue, and 11 per cent increase in operating loss.

iCar operates several auto websites in South East Asia including carlist.my, one2car.com and thaicar.com.

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