Growthpoint announces the appointment of Ross Lees as Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) and Managing Director, succeeding outgoing Managing Director, Timothy Collyer. Mr Lees is anticipated to commence with Growthpoint by 1 July 2024. Mr Collyer will continue with Growthpoint until July 2024 to ensure a smooth transition.
Ross brings over 20 years of real estate investment management experience and a deep understanding of commercial property markets, funds management, asset management, mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets. He has held senior leadership positions, including currently as Head of Funds Management at Centuria Capital Group where he helped grow its funds management platform from $4 billion to over $21 billion under management. Prior to this he was Fund Manager of Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) and oversaw its re-positioning from a small cap REIT to Australia’s largest pure play industrial REIT, delivering significant investment outperformance.
Growthpoint’s Chair, Andrew Fay, said, “On behalf of the Board, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Ross as the next CEO and Managing Director of GOZ. Under Ross’ leadership, the Board is confident GOZ will be well-positioned to continue the strong performance of its directly owned assets, build on its funds management growth plans and maximise value for securityholders over the long term. The Board conducted a comprehensive search process and believes Ross has outstanding leadership qualities and strategic capabilities, along with an exemplary track record in the Australian REIT and funds management sectors”.
Ross Lees said, “It is an honour to be appointed CEO and Managing Director of Growthpoint. Growthpoint has an excellent portfolio of office and industrial assets with high quality tenants, an impressive history, and a funds management platform with prospects for future growth. I look forward to working with the Board, Executive Management Team, and employees to drive value for GOZ’s securityholders.”
Andrew Fay continued, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tim again for his leadership of Growthpoint since 2009. Tim has made an outstanding contribution to GOZ, successfully leading it through a period of significant growth. He leaves a positive legacy for Ross to build upon and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Tim Collyer, Growthpoint’s outgoing Managing Director, said, “GOZ has a strong team and a great culture which has driven the growth of the business from a $650 million industrial fund to a diversified business with a $4.6 billion portfolio and a $1.7 billion funds management business, through acquisitions, mergers and acquisitions and development. I thank the Board, the Growthpoint team, securityholders and other stakeholders for their support of the business and me over the many years. I would like to congratulate Ross on his appointment as CEO and Managing Director and I am confident that the company will continue to grow under his leadership.”
