New GBCA board reflects evolving sustainable property in Australia

15 Aug 2016

15 AUG 2016

As the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) approves its new strategic plan, industry leaders with diverse skillsets and deep experience in new sectors have been appointed to the board of directors.

According to GBCA Chair, Tanya Cox, the GBCA’s new strategic plan aims to drive a carbon positive industry, foster liveable, sustainable communities and cities, broaden market transformation and increase regional leadership.

“We resisted appointing new board members until we settled our new strategic plan.  Our new board appointments bring experience in specific sectors, adding depth to an already strong line-up of industry leaders,” Ms Cox says.

The GBCA is delighted to announce the following appointments:

  • Rod Fehring, Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Property Australia
  • Michael O’Brien, Chief Investment Officer and Acting Executive General Manager Development, Vicinity Centres
  • Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer, Property Australia, Lendlease
  • Anna Skarbek, Chief Executive Officer, ClimateWorks Australia
  • Andrew Whitson, Group Executive and CEO Residential, Stockland. 

“As we expand our influence beyond the commercial office sector, we have specifically sought directors who bring with them decades of experience in our new target markets.

“These board members bring deep knowledge of the residential, retail, infrastructure and financial sectors – as well as the passion to drive transformational change.

“The evolution of the board reflects the changing nature of our industry, and the fresh thinking around the board table will help us accelerate our efforts and expand our influence.”

Cox pays tribute to the three outgoing board members, Stockland’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mark Steinert, Lendlease’s Group Chief Financial Officer Tarun Gupta, and Group Head of Group Sustainability and Community at Westpac, Siobhan Toohill.

“These three board members have been at the helm during a time of great growth for both the GBCA and for the industry, and they have made outstanding contributions to sustainability in the built environment,” Ms Cox says.

“They leave an exceptional legacy for the industry, and for Australia.”

More than 1,315 Green Star projects have been certified around Australia – and 30 per cent of the nation’s office space is Green Star certified. More than 636,000 people work in Green Star offices, 33,000 people live in Green Star apartments and 1.2 million people shop in a Green Star retail centre every day. 

“It’s now time to redouble our efforts, as we capitalise on the talents and experience of our new board members to deliver healthy, resilient and positive places for both people and the natural environment,” Ms Cox concludes.

Rod Fehring, Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Property Australia
Rod has been with Frasers Property Australia since March 2010, and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 2015. Prior to this, he spent nine years with Lendlease as CEO of its development, retirement living & aged care businesses and six years as CEO of Delfin Lend Lease. Rod has more than 30 years’ experience in the property industry.

Michael O’Brien, Chief Investment Officer and Acting Executive General Manager Development, Vicinity Centres
Michael joined Vicinity Centres in October 2015 and has nearly three decades’ experience in real estate, including shopping centre management and development, real estate funds management and finance. Prior to his current appointment, Michael held a number of senior roles at The GPT Group including Group Executive – Corporate Development, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as Acting Chief Executive.

Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer, Property Australia, Lendlease 
Kylie joined Lendlease in 2013 and was appointed to her current position in May 2016. She is responsible for Lendlease’s Australian Property business, which comprises a multibillion dollar urban regeneration portfolio, communities retirement living and investment management including retail. Kylie has more than 25 years’ experience in Australian and global real estate.

Anna Skarbek, Chief Executive Officer, ClimateWorks
Anna has led ClimateWorks Australia since its inception in 2009, guiding the organisation’s work to analyse emissions reduction opportunities and partner with business and government to unlock barriers to implementation. An experienced investment banker, policy adviser and qualified lawyer, Anna is also a director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and a trustee of the Sustainable Melbourne Fund. 

Andrew Whitson, Group Executive and CEO Residential, Stockland 
Andrew was appointed as Group Executive and CEO of Stockland's Residential business in June 2013, after serving as the company's Victorian General Manager Residential. Andrew joined Stockland in 2008. He has an extensive background in residential property development and investment both in Australia and overseas. Andrew served as Vice President of the Property Council in Victoria during 2012 and 2013. He is currently Vice President of the Residential Development Council of Australia.

Other members of the Green Building Council of Australia’s Board of Directors are:

  • Chair: Tanya Cox, non-executive director
  • John Flecker, Chief Executive Officer, Brookfield Multiplex
  • Mark Gray, non-executive director
  • Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mirvac
  • Ken Morrison, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia
  • Rob Sindel, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, CSR Limited
  • John Thwaites, Chair, Monash Sustainability Institute and ClimateWorks Australia.