GBCA's Romilly Madew named CEO of Infrastructure Australia

The board of Infrastructure Australia (IA) today announced the appointment of Romilly Madew as its Chief Executive Officer.

An independent statutory body, Infrastructure Australia prioritises and progresses nationally significant infrastructure through research and advice to all levels of government, investors and owners. Madew replaces Acting CEO Anna Chau, who took over from Philip Davies after his three-year term ended last year.

Madew’s appointment has been welcomed by Infrastructure Australia Chair Julieanne Alroe, who was on the assessment panel that oversaw her recruitment. She said Madew is “recognised around the world as a leader in the property and construction industry”, describing her as “an experienced CEO with expertise in strategy, governance and policy development”.

“She has forged strong working relationships with industry, government and community stakeholders through her current role and previous executive positions, including as executive director ACT and sustainability at the Property Council of Australia and the national client relationship manager for law firm King & Wood Mallesons,” Alroe continued.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack added that Madew’s appointment will bolster the agency’s skill and expertise, to assist with the planning and delivery of major, national infrastructure projects.

“Ms Madew has a proven ability to forge strong working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders in industry, government and the community, and I welcome her appointment to this important leadership position,” McCormack said.

“She has been the CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia since 2006 and a driving force behind Australia’s sustainable building movement.

“Ms Madew’s expertise will help to ensure IA can continue to consult with a broad range of stakeholders to provide high-quality advice and strategic feedback, to assist the federal government and others with making important decisions about major infrastructure investments.”

Upon assuming her new role in April, one of Madew’s priorities will be assisting with the finalisation of IA’s Australian Infrastructure Audit, due to be released in mid-2019. She will also oversee the development of the latest Australian Infrastructure Plan, which provides an investment roadmap and sets out infrastructure challenges and opportunities faced by the nation over the next 15 years, in areas such as productivity growth and living standards.

Madew is a longstanding advocate for national leadership supporting integrated strategic planning for cities and infrastructure. She has held board positions with the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Chief Executive Women, and sat on ministerial panels including the Cities Reference Group, National Urban Policy Forum and the China/Australia Services Sector Forum.

Her achievements have been recognised with national and international awards, including the 2015 International Leadership Award from the US Green Building Council and the 2017 World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award. An honorary fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, she has been named one of the 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review and Westpac, and is a National and NSW winner of the Telstra Business Women’s Award.

At the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Madew represented more than 650 companies with a total annual turnover of $40 billion. She also oversaw the Council’s Green Star rating system, under which around 2250 Australian projects have been certified.

“During her 13 years at the helm of the GBCA, Romilly has driven a sustainable building movement that has changed the shape of our communities and cities,” said Rod Fehring, Chairman of the GBCA’s Board of Directors.

“Romilly has built the GBCA’s global reputation as an influential advocate and change agent. Under Romilly’s stewardship, the GBCA has become a trusted advisor to government and a global leader among the 70-strong green building council network.

“She leaves the GBCA in a very strong position, and we look forward to working with Romilly as she makes a lasting impression on infrastructure and development in this country.”

Madew said she is “proud of the GBCA’s leadership in supporting collaboration across the property industry to deliver more productive, sustainable cities and communities”, pointing to the established influence of the GBCA beyond the commercial office sector to leadership in the delivery of sustainable infrastructure through Green Star rated airports, hospitals, train stations and major urban renewal projects.

“It has been a privilege to work with a visionary board, outstanding organisations, inspiring individuals and talented colleagues over the last 13 years, and I am confident the GBCA will continue to play a central role as a sustainability champion and change agent,” she said.

Madew said she was honoured to begin a new chapter as CEO of Infrastructure Australia as the organisation prepares to release two landmark documents.

“Infrastructure Australia has a critical role to play in helping governments prioritise projects and reforms that best serve our communities,” she said. “I look forward to growing the organisation’s focus on delivering better outcomes for individual users across transport, energy, telecommunications, water and social infrastructure.”

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