Rahmani resigns as Maple-Brown Abbott CEO, acting CEO named

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist

16 February 2024

Sophia Rahmani has stepped down from the role of CEO and Managing Director of Maple-Brown Limited after four years, and has also departed from her positions on all company boards and committees effective immediately.

Rahmani is noted for spearheading the firm’s growth in its investment capabilities, offerings, services and distributions channels since her appointment in October 2019. She will work with the Board and broader leadership team to enable a smooth transition of duties and responsibilities as the search commences for a permanent replacement.

The Board has also named Melanie McQuire, who jointed Maple-Brown Abbott as Chief Operating Officer in 2020, as acting CEO effective immediately. McQuire, who currently sits on the Maple-Brown Abbott Funds p.l.c Board, has almost 20 years of experience in senior roles at Lazard Asset Management, Macquarie Asset Management and ING Investment Management. She was most recently Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific at Lazard.

A statement from Maple-Brown Abbott Limited stressed the company’s “investment responsibilities” will continue to be directed by Chief Investment Officer, Garth Rossler, and the heads of each investment channel.

It also said Maple-Brown Abbott Global Listed Infrastructure Pty Limited is unaffected by these changes to the executive management team of Maple-Brown Abbott Limited, and will continue its operations as normal under the current executive management team.

“The Maple-Brown Abbott Limited Board would like to thank Ms Rahmani for her work with Maple-Brown Abbott and wishes her all the best for the future,”

“The Board looks forward to working with Ms McQuire in her new role as acting CEO and Board member to continue to provide outstanding investment products and service to all Maple-Brown Abbott’s clients.”