PCA replaces president
Charter Hall Office chief executive officer, Carmel Hourigan, was last week appointed the Property Council of Australia’s national president.
The Charter Hall Office chief executive office – who previously held executive positions with AMP Capital, GPT and Lendlease, replaced Michael O’Brien.
“It has been a great experience to commission thought leadership and national conversations about solutions to the housing crisis and the future of our cities as president of the Property Council,” the outgoing leader said.
“Being at the forefront of these conversations has provided the opportunity to collaborate with political, industry and civic leaders to explore innovative solutions and drive meaningful change,” according to the executive.
“I know the position is in good hands and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the work of the Property Council and the Board as Immediate Past President,” he added.
Veteran replaces veteran
Ms Courigan has served on the PCA board on and off over 15 years, presently serving as the Capital Markets Division president.
PCA CEO Mike Zorbas said the executive is a long term contributor to the industry association group, and a forthright leader.
“Carmel has a clear vision to drive success in our industry, and her presidency will advance a pro-investment, pro-delivery environment across the country,” he added.
“I thank her in advance for using her experience to guide the industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future,” according to the executive.
“I am personally grateful for Michael’s guidance to me and our executive and his support of our terrific teams in every state and territory across the country,” Mr Zorbas said of Mr Brien, who retired from the presidency at a Board meeting in Townsville last week (story continues below).
Ms Hourigan said overseas investment will be championed on behalf of industry leaders.
“I am excited to work with my industry colleagues in my new capacity as national president as we advocate for and advance our thought leadership on impactful solutions to key issues such as the housing crisis, efficient tax settings and successful decarbonisation,” she added.
“Australia has long been an attractive destination for international capital, which has been critical to the growth and vibrancy of our cities over the past 50 years,” according to the executive.
“Following a decade of increasing property taxes on institutional and individual investors by federal and some state governments across all the assets that grow our cities, it’s time for us to address and rectify the investment barriers that this has created.
“We will continue to advocate for better planning and the importance of prioritising industrial, commercial and residential projects that create the greatest benefits to the quality of life of all Australians.
“We will remain in the centre of the national housing debate, having successfully championed unprecedented supply targets and incentives, targeted skilled migration, planning reforms and growing last mile infrastructure funding to deliver all the property types our growing cities need.
“Importantly, as we grow our industry, we also remain focused on attracting and promoting diverse talent”.
A career spanning three decades – Ms Hourigan was global head of Real Estate with AMP Capital, chief information officer with GPT and Lendlease’s head of Investment Management.
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