John de la Torre is an accomplished entrepreneur, company director, and strategic leader with a track record of building and managing successful businesses across finance, real estate, legal services, and technology. With qualifications spanning business, law, finance, real estate, company directorship, and innovation, John brings a rare breadth of expertise to his work.

Over his career, John has founded, owned, and led multiple award-winning companies, including a wholesale funds management firm, a multi-branch real estate agency, a leading mortgage broking business, a residential conveyancing practice, and a software development company. His leadership style blends strategic vision with hands-on operational management, ensuring both growth and compliance across all ventures.

John’s professional achievements are underpinned by an extensive academic foundation, including an MBA from the University of Illinois, a Master of Science in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris, a Master of Applied Finance from the University of Western Sydney, and multiple diplomas in company directorship, real estate, and financial markets. He is a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD) and CPA Australia (FCPA), and is a licensed real estate agent in NSW and the ACT.

An accomplished board director, John has served in leadership and governance roles for a diverse range of organisations, including:

• Inaugural Chair – Canberra Hospital Foundation (helped establish its charter, board, and initial donor base)
• Chair – Our Wellness Foundation
• Founding Board Member – Capital Country Healthcare Foundation
• Board Member – ACT Cricket, LIXI Limited, Havelock Housing Association, Real Estate Institute of the ACT (Treasurer), Wagga Chamber of Commerce (President), Wagga Economic Development Board, North East Drug & Alcohol Service, and others.

His contributions have extended to transformative sector-wide initiatives, such as advising the industry working groups that ultimately shaped PEXA, Australia’s national e-conveyancing platform.

Passionate about business excellence, governance, and long-term value creation, John has a proven ability to identify opportunities, negotiate complex deals, and deliver sustainable results. His diverse experience, from managing statutory trust accounts to overseeing large-scale property operations and software innovation projects, positions him as a strategic asset to Paaka Group’s vision and operations.