Aware Real Estate names new chief

Aware Real Estate (ARE) has appointed Tracey Whitby as chief executive of the $2.5 billion property fund, effective June 1.

Whitby had been serving as interim chief executive for the past six months.

The property arm's chair Rod Fehring praised Whitby's leadership during her interim tenure, particularly her strategic guidance through recent global market volatility.

"During this time, Tracey has demonstrated a methodical and collaborative approach to the refinement of ARE's direct property investment strategy with solid investment returns also reported during this period," he said.

Fehring highlighted Whitby's stakeholder engagement efforts to sharpen ARE's focus on achieving appropriate risk-adjusted returns over medium and long-term investment horizons for the benefit of Aware Super's 1.2 million members.

Aware Super property lead Alek Misev also expressed confidence in Whitby's leadership capabilities.

"We are pleased to have someone of Tracey's calibre whose leadership approach has enabled us to implement key strategic changes effectively and smoothly," he said.

"The Australian property market is one of the most exciting and resilient in the world, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our market presence with Tracey and her team."

Before winning the top job, Whitby was instrumental in establishing ARE's finance and operations platforms.

She brings over 20 years of experience in senior executive roles across leading property investment and management firms, including, most recently, as finance chief at Lincoln Place Lifestyle Estates.

ARE continues its collaboration with long-term investment partner Barings to complement ARE's expertise in sectors where development management capabilities are particularly essential.

The fund operates within Aware Super's $8 billion Australian property portfolio, which includes retirement living, build-to-rent, industrial, commercial and retail assets and Sydney's Bankstown Airport.

These Australian assets form part of Aware Super's broader $11.5 billion global property portfolio, which includes residential and office investments across Europe and North America.