Bob Johnston to quit GPT

Daryl Browning stood down as ISPT chief executive officer last February.

The GPT Group chief executive officer and managing director, Bob Johnston (pictured, top), will retire by the end of the year.

In a statement, the company said it is on the hunt for a replacement; both internal and external candidates would be considered.

Kylie Rampa quit Lendlease for QIC in 2021.

Chief financial officer, Anastasia Clarke, has been mooted as a suitor since last year, when it was first speculated the role would come up.

“I know…GPT is in a strong position and I am proud of what we have accomplished for our customers, investors, employees, securityholders and the industry,” Mr Johnston said, in a statement today.

“GPT has a strong team of experienced and talented people and I remain committed to leading GPT and ensuring…there is a smooth transition process for m successor,” he added.

A member of the S&P/ASX 50, the company owns or manages a diversified portfolio worth $26.9 billion.

Latest leadership change

Mr Johnston has led GPT since 2016.

Prior to that, he was CEO of Frasers Property Australia.

The businessman held senior positions at Lendlease between 1987-2007 too (story continues below).

Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz will end with Mirvac in June.

News of the GPT retirement comes three months since Mirvac appointed Campbell Hanan to replace Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz as CEO; that position comes into effect in June.

Also last year, the ISPT board appointed Chris Chapple as CEO following the resignation of Daryl Browning, Elliott Rusanow took over the SCentre CEO and MD position from Peter Allen and Vicinity’s Grant Kelly announced he would retire from an MD role.

In late 2021, Kylie Rampa quit a long time senior position with Lendlease to helm QIC, which Damien Frawley led since 2012.

Lendlease also, two years ago, replaced the CEO role vacated by Steve McCann with Tony Lombardo – whose CEO Asia position was filled by Justin Gabbani.

Just over two years ago, meanwhile, Tarun Gupta took over the CEO and MD role vacated by Mark Steinert.

“Bob has made an outstanding contribution to GPT, successfully leading it through a period of significant growth and designing and implementing changes to its strategy, structure and portfolio mix that has positioned the group for continued success,” GPT chairwoman, Vickki McFadden, said.

“With Bob’s leadership during the selection process, GPT will maintain its focus on creating value for securityholders and provide continuity for our investors, employees and customers,” she added.

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.