Chat with a Chair 

 

Penny Ransom, Group Executive & IOF Fund Manager, Investa Property Group 
Diversity Committee Chair 

What are the committee’s priorities for the next 12 months? 

In addition to continuing the broad range of programs we have established to support enhanced gender diversity in leadership roles in the industry (including the mentoring program, 100 Women in Property program and Women Leaders program), we are focusing on taking forward the successful inaugural Girls in Property (GIP) week into 2018.  GIP week is focused on pipeline, influencing young school aged girls to consider a career in the property industry.  We are also expanding our focus this year to incorporate broader diversity and inclusion throughout the industry which we believe will bring benefits to both our member companies, their employees and the industry as a whole.  

What do you think are the characteristics of a great committee member?

A good Committee member is founded upon focusing on achieving the goals and objectives of the Committee and participating regularly in both the main Committee and Sub-Committees. A great Committee member recognises the challenges we have in front of us and actively seeks to work with others to create solutions for the way forward.

What is the biggest issue facing the property industry in NSW currently?

Political uncertainty and red tape have an enormous negative impact on our industry, dampening investment into, and the progress of, the sector as a whole.

What does “success” mean to you in terms of your work as a Committee member?

I define success as finding a path forward and making progress along that path for sustainable benefits in the future.  With most matters relating to diversity and inclusion you have to play the long game otherwise you may find yourself going nowhere if not backwards.

What was your first role within the property industry and what roles have you had since? 

I began as a property valuer with Colliers in the early 1990’s. I then moved to Capital Transactions at Lendlease, followed by Investment Management where I held the roles of Investment Manager, Business Development Manager and then Head of Equity for Lendlease Investment Management in the UK.  I then joined DEXUS as their Head of Capital back in Australia followed by taking over as Fund Manager of the DEXUS Wholesale Property Fund. Today I am Group Executive and Fund Manager of IOF at Investa Property Group.

If you weren’t working in property, where could you see yourself working?

In the business arena for sure and ideally mixing it with my equine passion would be a bonus!

Using only one word, how would you describe the Property Council of Australia?

Progressive.