IFM CEO to retire in 2020

IFM Investors, which is owned by 27 industry super funds, has announced the retirement of chief executive Brett Himbury, effective December 2020.

Himbury said of his decade with the firm: "It has been a privilege to lead one of the best performing businesses in the highly competitive world of global funds management."

He added: "Over 10 years, our shareholder return to industry super funds has been 17.8% - nearly double the ASX 200 average. We've been able to achieve this by recognising that if we first serve our members, strong shareholder returns will follow - rather than the other way around."

In acknowledging his service, Greg Combet, Chair of IFM Investors said: "The Board is grateful for the role Brett has played over ten remarkable years and we are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead given the competitive position we now enjoy."

A global search for Himbury's successor will commence shortly, the firm said, and Himbury will work closely with the IFM Investors team and board to facilitate a smooth transition.

Of the future, Himbury said: "I look forward to my next era as a non-executive and to contributing to a small range of organisations in board and advisory roles."