Early in his career, Tony Sesto was offered an opportunity to enter the real estate industry. He chose a path in marketing instead, but life has a way of coming full circle. Today, after more than two decades leading some of Australia’s most recognised customer-focused brands, Sesto officially steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Buxton.
Having held senior leadership positions across brands including BMW, Honda and Marshall White, Sesto has spent his career asking one simple question: How do you make people feel valued? That philosophy was shaped by a single conversation that has stayed with him ever since.
“Years ago, someone said to me, ‘I’ve spent a fortune with BMW over my lifetime, but you wouldn’t even know who I am,’” Sesto reflects. “That stayed with me. It made me realise how easily businesses can lose sight of the individual. From that day on, I made it my mission to ensure every customer feels seen, valued and understood.”
That same thinking is what drew him to Buxton.
Rather than being won over by growth projections or business metrics, Sesto says it was the people and the values that stood out from his very first conversations with Mark Earle, Holly Longmuir and the Board. In an industry often defined by transactions, he saw a business built on genuine relationships.
“You don’t earn the trust of Victorian communities for 165 years without doing something right,” Sesto says. “What stood out to me wasn’t just the history – it was the culture. There is a genuine care for people here, whether that’s clients, colleagues or the communities Buxton has been part of for generations. That felt incredibly special.”
Sesto’s perspective on leadership has also been shaped by his personal life. Raising his daughter taught him the importance of patience, active listening and empathy, lessons that continue to influence how he leads today.
“Earlier in my career, I thought leadership was about having all the answers and holding authority,” Sesto says. “But life, parenthood and experience teach you to slow down. The best leaders listen first, ask better questions and create an environment where people can achieve more than they thought possible.”
Looking ahead, Sesto believes technology will continue to reshape the property industry but says the moments that matter most will always come back to people.
“Technology can absolutely make us more efficient, but it can’t replace trust, empathy or the judgement that comes with experience,” Sesto says. “Buying, selling, or leasing a home is one of the biggest moments in someone’s life. It’s emotional, deeply personal and rarely straightforward. People will always value having someone they trust by their side through that journey.”
As he begins his next chapter, Sesto is focused on preserving what has made Buxton successful for generations while continuing to evolve for the future.
“I’m incredibly proud to join a business that has played such an important role in the lives of Victorian families,” Sesto says. “My focus is on supporting our people, strengthening the relationships we’ve built within our communities and ensuring Buxton continues to be a business people trust for generations to come.”
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