About
Us
Crafting Meaningful connections
PropConnex organises events and programs that foster valuable professional relationships between industry leaders and tertiary students. Our competition also helps bridge the gap between university and professional life for students, helping them build career pathways and expand their networks.
Just as students benefit from exclusive access to senior business leaders and decision makers, our partners and sponsors also have access to academic talent that has undergone a stringent selection process.
Discovering tomorrow’s industry leaders, today.
Mentoring
Students benefit from invaluable mentorship and rare access to CEOs and industry leaders with decades’ of experience.
Networking
Industry professionals and student teams alike are invited to network, guide and share career pathways, based on the common ground of shared interests and the drive to succeed.
Recognition
PropConnex is committed to discovering and nurturing the brightest academic minds across finance, construction, planning and property.
Our founders
Paul Heller
A corporate leader and mentor, Paul began his career at Goldman Sachs in the Real Estate and Healthcare Groups based in London, Sydney, and New York. He led the analysis and execution of merger transactions and equity as well as debt financing across the real estate and healthcare sectors.
Helping to build connections between the corporate community and Australia’s most promising students.
Paul Heller
In 2008 Paul joined Blackstone London before relocating to the Sydney office in 2012 to set up the real estate private equity business in his role as the MD and Real Estate Head of Blackstone Australia. This new position also included building a team of eight property professionals as well as a A$6 billion diversified real estate portfolio.
In 2018 Paul established Cliffbrook Capital where he oversees the development of new commercial real estate products and investment strategies. He set up PropConnex to build strong, supportive relationships between corporate leaders and academically gifted students seeking careers in finance, property, construction and planning. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts (Biology / Economics) from Amherst College.
Alastair Nash
He’s passionate about guiding a new generation of property students to a fulfilling, rewarding career through PropConnex’s educational programs and initiatives. Alastair holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from Sydney’s University of Technology.
Guiding a new generation of property students to a rewarding, satisfying career.
Alastair Nash
A real estate talent with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Alastair began his career in Mirvac’s Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions team. He has over 15 years’ experience in real estate with a focus on investment, funds management and restructuring.
A Chartered Accountant and foundation member of the Australian Blackstone real estate team, Alastair is also the founder of Wentworth Capital.
Jonathan Johnstone
Jonathan is an accomplished real estate executive and senior leader with over 40 years’ experience in the property industry across Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
A strong advocate for diversity through the support of emerging corporate talents.
Jonathan Johnstone
Highly experienced in Transactions, Investment and Funds Management, Jonathan’s career accomplishments include leading over A$8.5 billion worth of transactions across office, retail and logistics asset classes.
An independent Non-Executive Director and Board advisor, Jonathan is also a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Graduate of The Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jonathan is a strong advocate for diversity as he supports and mentors up and coming, young corporate talents.