Lendlease promotes Claire Johnston to Chief Executive Officer of Development

Lendlease has recently announced the appointment of Claire Johnston as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Development, marking a significant transition for the highly experienced executive. With almost 30 years of tenure at Lendlease, Claire has held numerous senior positions and played pivotal roles in key development projects and partnerships, particularly in the US.

In her most recent role as CEO Americas, Claire oversaw critical development projects and partnerships, such as the US Military Housing project in collaboration with the United States Department of Defense and the Google Development Venture. Her leadership was instrumental in driving these initiatives forward and achieving success in the American market.

Prior to her time in the US, Claire held various Executive Project Director positions in Australia, where she played a key role in overseeing the initial stage of Lendlease’s ambitious multi-billion dollar mixed-use redevelopment project in the Victoria Harbour precinct of Melbourne. Her experience spans a wide range of disciplines within the real estate and development sectors, including urban renewal, project structuring, sustainable development, and project execution.

Claire’s return to Australia as CEO Development signifies a new chapter in her career at Lendlease, where she will focus on driving growth and performance in the Development business. With a strong track record of securing approximately $5 billion in new Australian project wins this financial year, Claire is well-equipped to lead the business towards continued success and sustainable growth.

The transition in leadership comes as Tom Mackellar, the outgoing CEO Development, has decided to pursue new opportunities externally. Tom has been a valuable member of the Lendlease team since 2006, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and success through his roles in Mergers and Acquisitions, Finance, and Development. His leadership has been instrumental in winning new projects and positioning the business for future growth.

Lendlease acknowledges Tom’s contributions over his nearly two-decade career with the company and wishes him success in his future endeavors. CEO Tony Lombardo expresses confidence in Claire’s ability to drive the growth and performance of Lendlease’s Development business, leveraging her extensive real estate knowledge and development expertise to achieve sustainable returns for stakeholders.

In conclusion, Claire Johnston’s appointment as CEO Development at Lendlease marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to strengthen its presence in the Australian market and pursue opportunities for growth and expansion. Her leadership and experience position her well to lead the Development business to new heights of success and sustainability in the coming years.