Local Government Super (LGS) today announced the retirement of its Property Portfolio Manager, Brian Churchill. Mr Churchill will enjoy the last day of his 30-year career in property investment and management today.

Mr Churchill joined LGS in 2001. He was specifically charged with making the LGS property portfolio an industry leader in environmental performance – which it is today. During his tenure, the entire LGS property portfolio moved to 100% green power and is well recognised as one of the most energy efficient in Australia.

In Mr Churchill’s time at LGS, the environmental performance of the Fund’s property investments received recognition in the form of numerous awards and positive rankings. Just a few of the most recent include a Property Environmental Award from The Australian Property Institute (2012), a Property Innovation and Excellence Award from the Property Council of Australia (2012) and a ‘Highly Commended’ ranking from the Green Globe Awards (2013).

In 2003, Mr Churchill also oversaw the restructuring of the LGS portfolio into an unlisted property trust in order to deliver more flexibility and returns for members and a greater ability to capitalise on opportunities with more appropriate levels of leverage.

Peter Lambert, CEO of Local Government Super, said: “Brian has played an integral role in bringing our property portfolio to meet and exceed some of the highest ESG standards inside and outside the superannuation industry. The benefit of the years of service and expertise he has given to the Fund will be realised by members for many years to come. The Board, executive, the wider LGS team and our members very much appreciate Brian’s contribution.

“I would also like to thank Brian for the role he has played in building such a strong Property Portfolio team. This has enabled us to confidently and seamlessly fill the role he’s leaving by appointing Andrew Kim. Andrew is a highly experienced team member who is already very familiar with our portfolio and practices. We’re extremely pleased to have him take the reins.”

Mr Kim has been LGS Property Asset Manager for the past three years. He will commence in his new role on 28 November 2013.

“We wish Brian and his wife all the very best for a secure and fulfilling retirement, a concept that’s very, very close to our hearts here at LGS,” concluded Mr Lambert.