Aware Super has named Michelle McNally as the founding CEO of its newly established property platform, Aware Real Estate.
The platform will oversee Aware Super’s directly owned Australian build-to-rent, industrial and office property portfolio and has already amassed $1.5 billion in high-quality industrial, office and residential assets across the country.
Ms McNally will head up the new platform after joining from property fund ISPT, where she held several senior executive roles including GM of its $8 billion Australian office portfolio and GM of investor solutions, market strategy and engagement.
Her experience in property investment spans more than 25 years including as general manager of property at Australia Post, where she oversaw 1.8 million square metres of logistics, retail and office assets, and in senior positions at Jones Lang LaSalle.
Aware Super deputy CIO and head of real assets, Damien Webb, said that Ms McNally was the standout candidate for the new role.
“We set our sights on finding an accomplished, energetic and visionary leader, and someone with deep, contemporary experience in the Australian property market. In Michelle, we’ve found just that. We’re very excited to have secured her for this position,” he said.
“Michelle’s values will resonate deeply with Aware Super members, who rely on us as their super fund to do well for them at the same time as doing good in the communities where they work, live and retire.”
Ms McNally is also director at Women’s Property Initiative, a community housing provider of long-term housing for women and children at risk of homelessness.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms McNally said she was delighted to be joining Aware Real Estate.
“It’s wonderful to have come on board right at the outset to put the foundations in place for Aware Real Estate to deliver the strong investment returns that Aware Super is renowned for,” she said.
“Aware Super already has a strong track record of innovation and excellence in property investment, and it’s incredibly energising to have a hands-on leadership role as we prepare to launch a new chapter that builds on that impressive record.”
Key assets of Aware Real Estate include build-to-rent developments in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra, including affordable housing for essential workers, as well as industrial investments in Western Sydney.
The platform is being set up in partnership with independent Australian real estate investment manager Altis Property Partners, which Aware said had a strong track record in delivering quality projects and would play a foundational role in establishing the portfolio.
