Federico Keil named finalist in 2026 Urban Leader Awards

CDL Australia Senior Development Manager Federico Keil has been named among the property industry’s emerging leaders, selected as a finalist in The Urban Developer’s 2026 Urban Leader Awards.

Federico is one of nine finalists nationally in the Future Leader – Property and Development category, which recognises the next generation of professionals making their mark on Australia’s property sector.

Now in its third year, the Urban Leader Awards recognise individuals shaping Australia’s cities across development, construction, architecture, planning, engineering, finance and other areas of the property industry.

More than 160 finalists have been shortlisted across this year’s awards, with nominees assessed against six criteria: leadership, growth, innovation, responsibility, bravery and distinction.

The recognition marks another milestone in Federico’s career with CDL Australia and follows his inclusion in The Courier-Mail’s 2023 list of Queensland’s rising development “hotshots”.

At the time, Federico was recognised for his rapid progression through the property industry and his role overseeing a portfolio of major Brisbane projects for CDL Australia.

Having completed a Bachelor of Business, Real Estate and Development at the University of Queensland in 2018, Federico began his career as a project co-ordinator in residential development, working across six retirement projects in southeast Queensland and assisting with the divestment of the portfolio to an offshore investor.

He later joined CDL Australia, where his responsibilities have continued to grow alongside the company’s Queensland portfolio.

In 2023, The Courier-Mail highlighted his work across three Brisbane developments with an estimated combined value of $450 million, including Brickworks Park at Alderley and Treetops Kenmore.

Since then, Federico has progressed to Senior Development Manager at CDL Australia, with his selection as a Future Leader finalist providing further recognition of his growing contribution to the property and development sector.

More recently, Federico was instrumental in the delivery of The Archive, CDL Australia’s first build-to-rent development in Melbourne.

The 237-apartment Southbank development was completed ahead of schedule and under budget and has itself been recognised by The Urban Developer, receiving a Special Commendation in the Development of the Year – Build-to-Rent and PBSA category at the 2026 Awards for Industry Excellence.

The judges recognised The Archive for its disciplined project delivery and strong resident proposition, as well as its thoughtful design, high-quality execution, carefully curated communal spaces and distinctive brand identity.

CDL Australia Managing Director Cameron Laird congratulated Federico on the recognition, saying it reflected the contribution he had made to the company’s growing Australian portfolio.

“Federico has played an important role in the growth of CDL Australia’s development portfolio and has continued to take on greater responsibility as his career has progressed,” Mr Laird said.

“His contribution to projects including The Archive has been significant, and it’s fantastic to see his work and leadership recognised at a national level.

“We’re incredibly proud of what Federico has achieved and look forward to seeing what comes next.”

The winners of the 2026 Urban Leader Awards will be announced at a gala event at the Four Seasons Sydney on Thursday, 22 October.