Who’s behind No. 1?

For nearly 40 years, Ray White Double Bay has helped shape the next generation of Ray White leaders. At the 2026 Annual Awards, it was named No. 1 Office in NSW/ACT and No. 1 International Office across a network of more than 1,000 offices worldwide.

The office took home nine awards, including the CEO Cup for principals Elliott Placks and Michael Krimotat, which recognises leadership and contribution to the wider Ray White group.

Summary of achievements

A foundation office

Leadership in Australia's most prestigious markets

Ray White NSW/ACT CEO Tim Snell said the business held a unique place in the top group.

"Ray White Double Bay is a foundation office and a large part of Ray White's legacy in NSW. Their leadership in arguably Australia's most prestigious markets plays a critical role in connecting our presence in luxury markets across the country," Mr Snell said.

"This year we rewarded Elliott and Michael with the CEO Cup for NSW, recognising their contribution to the greater Ray White group. They amplify the family values of the company through world-class customer service, developing leadership from within, and investing to make sure their business and brand are best in market."

Mr Snell said that recognition showed in the office selling 1 in 5 homes across its core suburbs. "We are immensely proud of their long-standing partnership with the family," he said.

Ray White Managing Director Dan White said high standards weren't something you reach once and keep. "They have to be earned again every year and Ray White Double Bay has done that for nearly four decades," he said.

"The best businesses in our group lift the bar for everyone around them. Elliott Placks, Michael Krimotat, Ashley Bierman and Warren Ginsberg and their team have built an office where excellence is the expectation, not the exception, and where the next generation of leaders learns what that looks like."

The business spans Residential Sales, Ray White Commercial Eastern Suburbs, Ray White Projects Double Bay, Property Management and mortgage broking through Loan Market Double Bay, all operating from a landmark office the principals built for their team in Double Bay.

Ray White Group CEO of Performance and Value Thomas McGlynn said the office's ambition stood out.

"What I've always admired about great businesses is that they're never entirely satisfied with where they are. Elliott and Michael have continued to invest in their people, develop future leaders, attract some of the industry's best talent and raise the standard of service they provide to their clients," Mr McGlynn said.

"As they approach 40 years with Ray White, it's incredibly exciting to see a business with such a rich history still showing the ambition and energy to achieve so much more. We're enormously proud to be continuing that journey together."

From the principals

In their own words

Ray White Double Bay Principal and Managing Director Elliott Placks said the recognition followed a demanding year.

"Being recognised by our own network, alongside some of the best agencies in the country, is something we don't take for granted," Mr Placks said.

"This year asked more of us than most. Campaigns took longer, and clients needed more support. To be recognised at the end of a year like that means a great deal to all of us."

"We'll keep investing in our people and in new technology, so every client gets the best of both: experience they can trust and an agency that keeps moving forward."

Mr Placks was also named No. 2 Principal in NSW/ACT, a result earned while leading the office and selling alongside his team.

Ray White Double Bay Principal and Director Michael Krimotat said the team's focus remained on what comes next.

"We're incredibly proud, but mostly we're grateful: to our team and to the clients who trusted us. Moments like this make you stop and appreciate what we've built together," Mr Krimotat said.

"The best thing about a business with this much history is that we're still building it. As we head into our 40th year, I believe our best years are ahead of us."