IFM promotes Bowtell, appoints new director

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

27 June 2023

IFM Investors has announced changes to its Board of Directors, with current Deputy Chair Cath Bowtell replacing the outgoing Greg Combet AM and former Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner joining as an Independent Director.

Also as Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee and member of the IFM Board Audit and Risk Committee, Bowtell brings broad experience from across the superannuation industry and several other directorships including Chair of the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Industry Fund Services Group and The New Daily.

Her previous roles include Chief Executive of the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust (AGEST) and Director at AustralianSuper. She steps into the new position at IFM in the wake of Combet’s resignation, as he moves onto the role of Chair of the Net Zero Economy Agency appointed by the Prime Minister of Australia.

“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,” Bowtell said.

“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.”

The former Federal Member for Melbourne from 1993 to 2010 and Minister for Finance and Deregulation from 2007 to 2010, Tanner brings his knowledge and expertise in corporate governance and asset management advice to the new role, having also spent over a decade at Lazard Australia as a Special Advisor.

Tanner is also present on several Boards including Suncorp Group and Virgin Australia International, is a member of Six Park’s Investment Advisory Committee and is Chair of AFL Victoria.

“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,” he said.

Bowtell and Tanner will commence their new roles from 1 July.