“John has over 20 years experience in the property industry and his deep knowledge of investment assets, commercial and residential development and funds management businesses, makes him ideal to head Australia’s largest private property group.”

“John has a great track record of achievement in his most recent roles and has the skills and experience necessary to lead Investa in the next stage of its growth. Attracting and appointing an executive of John’s calibre emphasises Morgan Stanley’s commitment to the ongoing success of Investa.”

Mr Thomas said; “This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented senior management team committed to taking the Group forward under its new ownership.”
“I was attracted to the company’s high quality investment portfolio, its expanding External Funds business, its strong pipeline of commercial and industrial developments and its ownership of one of Australia’s leading residential developers, Clarendon.”

“Moving to a privately owned environment which provides a platform for Investa to make swift decisions and grow its portfolio will be enhanced by Investa’s access to Morgan Stanley’s global real estate platform,” Mr Thomas said.

The appointment of Mr Thomas follows the acquisition of Investa Property Group by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing in September 2007. He will join Investa on 14 January, 2008.