IFM Investors appoints new Chair, independent director

Industry super fund-owned global funds manager IFM Investors is pleased to announce that Deputy Chair Cath Bowtell has been appointed Chair of IFM, and former Australian Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has joined the Board as an independent director.

Ms Bowtell has been a director of IFM since 2019 and currently serves as the Deputy Chair, Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee and member of the IFM Board Audit and Risk Committee.

She has extensive experience across the industry superannuation sector and holds a number of directorships, including as Chair of The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Industry Fund Services Group and The New Daily.

She is also a Director of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation and Industry Super Australia and has previously held the roles of Chief Executive of the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust (AGEST) and Director at AustralianSuper.

Ms Bowtell’s appointment follows the resignation of outgoing Chair Greg Combet AM, who is leaving IFM following his appointment by the Prime Minister of Australia as full-time Chair of the Net Zero Economy Agency.

Former Australian Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner is joining the Board as an independent director.

Mr Tanner served as the Federal Member for Melbourne from 1993 to 2010 and was Minister for Finance and Deregulation from 2007 to 2010, which included oversight of Australia’s sovereign wealth fund - the Future Fund.

He has extensive experience in corporate governance and advising financial and asset managers, including as a Special Advisor to global financial advisory firm Lazard Australia for over 10 years.

Mr Tanner is currently a Director of Suncorp Group and Virgin Australia International, a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of investment firm Six Park, and Chair of AFL Victoria. 

The two appointments support IFM’s global growth plans, as it works to continue delivering on its purpose to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people.

Established more than 25 years ago by a group of Australian industry pension funds, IFM invests on behalf of more than 600 institutional investors globally, representing more than 120 million people, including nurses, teachers, and construction and hospitality workers.

Ms Bowtell and Mr Tanner will commence their new roles on 1 July 2023.

Quotes attributable to incoming IFM Investors Chair Cath Bowtell:

“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair at such an important time for IFM as we continue to grow our global presence and work to deliver for our owners and clients and the millions of working people they represent.”

“I thank Greg Combet for his leadership and contribution to IFM over the last 10 years, his vision, integrity and sense of purpose has been integral to IFM’s success over the past decade.”

“I am also delighted that Lindsay Tanner is joining the Board – I’m confident that his extensive experience in corporate governance and finance will be a great asset for IFM.” 

Quote attributable to outgoing IFM Investors Chair Greg Combet:

“Cath’s depth of experience across the superannuation sector, alongside her lifelong commitment to working people, has meant she has already made a tremendous contribution to IFM and I look forward to seeing that continue with her appointment as Chair.”

“I wish Cath, the Board and everyone at IFM every success for the future.”

Quote attributable to Mr Lindsay Tanner: 

“IFM is a distinct global funds manager and I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members so that IFM can continue to deliver long-term investment returns that help support millions of working people in their retirement.”

For media queries, please contact:

Jamila Fontana, +61 407 251 130 or [email protected]

About IFM Investors

IFM Investors was established more than 25 years ago with the aim to protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. Owned by a group of Australian pension funds, the organisation has A$211 billion under management as at 31 December 2022. Because IFM is owned by industry pension funds, we prioritise the interests of 640 like-minded investors worldwide by focusing on assets that combine excellent long-term risk/reward characteristics with broad economic and social benefits to the community. As a signatory to The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment, IFM actively engages on ESG issues with the companies in which we invest with the aim of enhancing their net performance while minimising investment risk. Operating globally from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, London, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, New York, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo, IFM manages investments across infrastructure, debt, listed equities and private equity assets. For more information, visit ifminvestors.com.