Kylie O’Connor

AMP Capital has announced Kylie O’Connor has been promoted to lead its real estate business and will join the leadership group.  Ms O’Connor is currently AMP Capital Real Estate’s Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Separate Accounts and will replace Carmel Hourigan who is leaving the business.

As Head of Real Estate, Ms O’Connor will lead the team managing more than A$28 billion of commercial real estate on behalf of institutional and retail investors across equity and debt investment solutions.  This includes the management of AMP Capital’s integrated fund, investment, development and property management platform, as well as its strategic global partnerships.

AMP Capital CEO Boe Pahari said: “I am delighted to appoint Kylie O’Connor to lead our real estate business, recognised as one of the largest and most experienced wholesale property managers in the Asia Pacific, and key to our real assets strategy.  Kylie is a great leader and her promotion is testament to the strong talent within AMP Capital’s real estate team.  Highly regarded by our clients, our team and within the industry, she’s ready to lead the next phase of growth for our real estate business.

“Kylie has a deep breadth of both commercial and real estate investment experience and will bring a strong focus on delivering investment outcomes for our clients. I also value her contribution to the wide and diverse views in the leadership group.”

Ms O’Connor joined AMP Capital in 2015 as Fund Manager for AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund, before taking on the role of COO in 2018.  She has 25 years’ experience in property funds management and has been involved in the delivery of several large development projects on behalf of wholesale investors.  Prior to AMP Capital, she held a number of senior fund management, audit and advisory roles at Lendlease and Arthur Andersen.

Ms O’Connor said: “I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this first-class real estate business and join Boe’s leadership team.  With over 60 years’ heritage in managing iconic real estate for local and global investors, we have an excellent foundation of depth of talent, premium assets and great client relationships on which to grow the business.

“While COVID 19 has created challenges for the industry, we’re constantly engaging with tenants, customers and investors to find the right outcome, and I’m confident in our ability to deliver for our clients, our people and our shareholders.”

Also announced yesterday, Luke Briscoe will take on the role as Chief Operating Officer, Real Estate, reporting to Ms O’Connor, where he will oversee the operations of the business while seeking opportunities to enhance the real estate platform.  Mr Briscoe held the position of Managing Director, Office & Logistics for the past five years and as Chief Operating Officer will also lead its circa $10 billion separate accounts business.

Ms O’Connor added: “I am proud of the high calibre of talent in our real estate business and look forward to continuing to work closely with Luke and the rest of the Real Estate leadership team who are united in our commitment to lead the business into its next chapter of growth.”

Ms O’Connor will report to Boe Pahari and join AMP Capital’s leadership group effective immediately.

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Ms Georgeos joins AMP Capital from GPT, where she has been Deputy Fund Manager for the GPT Wholesale Office Fund for the last three and a half years, working with the Fund Manager to maximise investment returns for the fund.  Prior to that, Ms Georgeos spent three years as Head of Product Development (Funds Management), where she was involved in establishing GPT’s funds management strategy and led the launch of the GPT Metro Office fund which listed in October 2014.  Before this, she held the role of Associate Director, Real Estate at Macquarie Bank for eight years, focussed on M&A activity and equity raisings across both the listed and unlisted Real Estate sectors.

AMP Capital Managing Director Office & Logistics Luke Briscoe said that this appointment was made after an extensive internal and external search.

“I am delighted Kit will be joining AMP Capital and heading up one of our flagship real estate funds. With more than 15 years’ experience in real estate funds management, investment banking and capital markets, Kit’s strong commercial experience and knowledge of domestic office markets, along with her deep knowledge of investment management, make her the ideal candidate for this role.

“Kit joins us at an exciting time for the Fund.  AWOF is well positioned, with strong occupancy and 100 per cent weighting to the strongest markets in Australia.  Kit’s focus will be on how to further capitalise on the strong market fundamentals while delivering on the fund’s strategy for our investors and the committed investment pipeline including Quay Quarter, Wynyard and South Eveleigh,” Mr Briscoe said.

Ms Georgeos will report to Mr Briscoe after commencing in late October 2019.

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AMP Capital’s Crossroad Logistics Centre, Casula NSW.

AMP Capital announced the completion of its second purpose-built facility at Casula’s Crossroad Logistics Centre.

Completed this week is a modern purpose-built Sydney regional office for WesTrac, the Caterpillar dealer for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia.

With construction commencing in September 2017, the completed facility includes circa 8,000 square metres of workshop/warehouse and office space, and circa 16,500 square metres of external hardstand for WesTrac, which has a 15-year lease.

AMP Capital Managing Director, Office and Industrial, Luke Briscoe said: “We are thrilled to welcome our new customer WesTrac to what is an exceptional purpose-built facility in what has now become a leading example of a logistic centre community.

“Crossroads Logistics Centre represents AMP Capital’s return to industrial development and we couldn’t be prouder of the team’s success, having now committed over 64,000 square metres in two years.

“We’re focused on creating an environment that delivers an exceptional experience for our customers, their staff and guests. The fully-integrated design process between both WesTrac and AMP Capital before and during construction has been crucial in the ultimate success of the purpose-built facility and our customer-led strategy.

“With a distinct lack of well-located, serviced industrial land in the south west of Sydney, AMP Capital is responding to customer demand for high quality industrial and logistics facilities in this growth precinct,” Mr Briscoe said.

Responding to customer demand was a common theme on this project with WesTrac NSW/ACT Chief Executive, Greg Graham saying, “The decision to move our Parramatta operations to AMP Capital’s Crossroads Logistic Centre places us closer to more of our customer base, giving us a greater ability to serve and respond to our customers’ needs.

“Casula’s location also provides WesTrac with an enviable position central to infrastructure construction activities in the western Sydney growth corridor and the site is well positioned for our 150 staff members to take advantage of the local services and activities,” Mr Graham said.

In addition to WesTrac joining Crossroads Logistics Centre, Versiclad, an Australian owned manufacturing business, have also committed to 4,500sqm on a 12-year term at the precinct.  Construction of the purpose-built facility will begin in the coming weeks.

Crossroads Logistics Centre is strategically located in the south-west growth precinct and offers unparalleled proximity to major arterial roads, ports, the proposed Moorebank Intermodal Terminal and Sydney and Badgerys Creek airports, with direct access from Sydney’s M5 Motorway.

Crossroads Logistics Centre is owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF) and once complete will accommodate approximately 80,000 square metres of high quality warehouse and office space across three separate precincts.

Following these development milestones, and the completion of 12,500 square metre distribution centre and showroom for Cosentino Tiles in May 2017 and 22,900 square metre facility for Electrolux Home Products due for completion in August, there is only one last remaining lot, Precinct B.

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Luke Briscoe

AMP Capital yesterday announced it had completed its second purpose-built facility at Casula’s Crossroad Logistics Centre.

Completed this week is a modern purpose-built Sydney regional office for WesTrac, the Caterpillar dealer for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia.

With construction commencing in September 2017, the completed facility includes circa 8,000 square metres of workshop/warehouse and office space, and circa 16,500 square metres of external hardstand for WesTrac, which has a 15-year lease.

AMP Capital Managing Director, Office and Industrial, Luke Briscoe said: “We are thrilled to welcome our new customer WesTrac to what is an exceptional purpose-built facility in what has now become a leading example of a logistic centre community.

“Crossroads Logistics Centre represents AMP Capital’s return to industrial development and we couldn’t be prouder of the team’s success, having now committed over 64,000 square metres in two years.

“We’re focused on creating an environment that delivers an exceptional experience for our customers, their staff and guests. The fully-integrated design process between both WesTrac and AMP Capital before and during construction has been crucial in the ultimate success of the purpose-built facility and our customer-led strategy.

“With a distinct lack of well-located, serviced industrial land in the south west of Sydney, AMP Capital is responding to customer demand for high quality industrial and logistics facilities in this growth precinct,” Mr Briscoe said.

Responding to customer demand was a common theme on this project with WesTrac NSW/ACT Chief Executive, Greg Graham saying, “The decision to move our Parramatta operations to AMP Capital’s Crossroads Logistic Centre places us closer to more of our customer base, giving us a greater ability to serve and respond to our customers’ needs.

“Casula’s location also provides WesTrac with an enviable position central to infrastructure construction activities in the western Sydney growth corridor and the site is well positioned for our 150 staff members to take advantage of the local services and activities,” Mr Graham said.

In addition to WesTrac joining Crossroads Logistics Centre, Versiclad, an Australian owned manufacturing business, have also committed to 4,500sqm on a 12-year term at the precinct.  Construction of the purpose-built facility will begin in the coming weeks.

Crossroads Logistics Centre is strategically located in the south-west growth precinct and offers unparalleled proximity to major arterial roads, ports, the proposed Moorebank Intermodal Terminal and Sydney and Badgerys Creek airports, with direct access from Sydney’s M5 Motorway.

Crossroads Logistics Centre is owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF) and once complete will accommodate approximately 80,000 square metres of high quality warehouse and office space across three separate precincts.

Following these development milestones, and the completion of 12,500 square metre distribution centre and showroom for Cosentino Tiles in May 2017 and 22,900 square metre facility for Electrolux Home Products due for completion in August, there is only one last remaining lot, Precinct B.

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Chief Operating Officer, Real Estate

Kylie O’Connor has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for Real Estate, responsible for AMP Capital Real Estate’s group-wide functions of finance, strategy, research, governance, risk and compliance, sustainability, business platforms and corporate marketing and communications.

Currently Fund Manager for AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF), AMP Capital’s largest pooled real estate fund, Ms O’Connor has done an outstanding job to identify and unlock value for ADPF clients, while demonstrating the strategic, systemic and enterprise thinking required for her new role as COO. An internal and external recruitment process is underway for a new Fund Manager for ADPF, and Ms O’Connor will commence the COO role once an appointment is made.

International Strategy

To continue to leverage the strengths of AMP Capital’s real estate capabilities globally, Merran Edwards has been appointed to the new role of Head of International Strategy, Real Estate.  Ms Edwards was instrumental in AMP Capital’s investment into US-based real estate investment manager PCCP and this new role will harness her experience to explore and create new opportunities in key markets whilst leveraging our strategic partnerships.

Office and Industrial Management

Luke Briscoe, as Managing Director Office & Industrial, will assume a broader role with accountability for office and mixed-use development. This change aligns with AMP Capital’s integrated management model and includes the delivery of office development including the iconic Quay Quarter Sydney project.

AMP Capital Global Head of Real Estate Carmel Hourigan said she was delighted to announce these appointments to her leadership team, and Mr Briscoe’s expanded role.

“I’d like to congratulate Kylie and Merran on their appointment to these important roles, both have demonstrated unwavering focus and dedication to creating value for our clients.

“I’m confident these changes support our continual focus on delivering outstanding investment experiences and our aspiration to maximise opportunities for our clients. The changes align to our ambitious international and domestic growth strategy and also demonstrate the strong talent pipeline and succession planning of our people,” Ms Hourigan said.

The appointment of Merran Edwards and the additional accountabilities for Luke Briscoe are effective immediately.

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Luke Briscoe

Leasing activity in Perth is on an upward trajectory for AMP Capital following the launch of its ‘repositioning project’ at 140 St Georges Terrace, with 17 commercial leases signed during the last 12 months at the 28-storey, A-grade office tower in a prime CBD location.

AMP Capital Managing Director, Office and Industrial, Luke Briscoe said more than 70 groups have inspected the building this year alone, signalling a significant increase in interest compared to 2016.

“While the market overall is still showing signs of stress, there has been a real upturn in demand for the Perth CBD office market during 2017. Businesses currently located in the suburbs are a large proportion of potential tenants investigating properties in the CBD, together with new entrants to the Perth market. Both groups are taking advantage of the generous inducements from building owners,” Mr Briscoe said.

“As part of our relaunch of 140 St Georges Terrace, we have introduced key initiatives from our ‘Customer Promise’ programme, which helps to differentiate the building and AMP Capital from other CBD offerings. In addition to genuinely tailoring our commercial offerings to each business, we have introduced a ground floor concierge to create a sense of community; free yoga and boxing classes for our customers; fresh and modern end-of-trip facilities; and soon a new building lobby, which will include a combination of formal sittings areas, a business lounge and new café.

“We’re focussed on creating an environment that delivers an exceptional experience for our customers, their staff and guests. Doing this ensures that those businesses looking for new space in Perth will consider AMP Capital and 140 St Georges Terrace. They can see that everything we are doing is for the customer, which in turn provides a platform for their own business success.”

Of the 17 new leases signed, 13 are new customers to the building including global IT companies Tieto and Hewlett Packard, as well as Environmental Resources Management and Cottee Parker Architects and investment management company Challenger. AMP Capital has also renewed four existing leases.

As part of its push to be more agile and to increase its ability to accommodate a variety of businesses, AMP Capital has fit-out several upper floors suitable for medium-sized, time-poor businesses seeking a ready-to-go workspace.

CBRE Senior Director Andrew Denny partnered with AMP Capital and negotiated the leases.

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Luke Briscoe

A new development in south-west Sydney at AMP Capital’s Crossroads Logistics Centre, Casula, is now underway, with the official sod-turning ceremony taking place at the site of WesTrac’s new purpose-built facility.

The  facility includes a warehouse, workshop and regional office for WesTrac, one of Caterpillar’s largest authorised dealers, that will occupy nearly 24,000 square  metres. Construction will begin in earnest in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed mid-2018.

WesTrac signed a long-term lease with AMP Capital at Crossroads Logistics Centre in March 2017.

AMP Capital Managing Director, Office and Industrial, Luke Briscoe said the location was a  perfect fit for WesTrac: “Crossroads offers a strategic location for companies such as WesTrac. It’s located in the growth corridor of south-west  Sydney, offers access to arterial road and transport infrastructure as well as  retail and lifestyle amenities for workers. Our strategy is to work with our industrial tenants, such as WesTrac, to develop a site that meets their needs and we’re delighted that construction is now underway on this development.”

Greg Graham, CEO WesTrac NSW/ACT, said: “After an extensive study of the proposed  construction activity for the next ten years, it was apparent that the City of  Liverpool, and the Crossroads Logistics Centre in particular, was the perfect choice to continue to grow the WesTrac Caterpillar business. The location and surrounding facilities places WesTrac in the perfect position to serve  construction customers in an efficient and timely manner.”

The Mayor of Liverpool, Wendy Waller, was on hand to turn the first sod at the location  of WesTrac’s Sydney operations.

Mayor Waller said: “I congratulate AMP Capital and WesTrac on making the move to Liverpool. We welcome the arrival of such distinguished businesses and the new jobs and economic stimulus they bring with them. Liverpool is already home to more than 14,000 businesses and Council understands how crucial our businesses are to the success of our economy and our community.”

Crossroads Logistics Centre is owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF). Once the centre is complete, it will accommodate approximately 80,000 square metres of high-quality warehouse and office space across three separate precincts.

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Luke Briscoe

AMP Capital has announced the signing of WesTrac, one of Caterpillar’s largest authorised dealers, on a long-term lease at Crossroads Logistics Centre, located at Casula in Sydney’s south west.

The signing of WesTrac means that AMP Capital will now commence the next stage of its $130 million development with the construction of a purpose-built facility for WesTrac, which will occupy nearly 24,000 square meters of the centre.

AMP Capital’s Managing Director of Office & Industrial, Luke Briscoe, said attracting quality customers such as WesTrac reinforces the development’s appeal and the strength of the current industrial leasing market in Sydney.

According to Mr Briscoe: “We are excited to commence the next stage of development with WesTrac, which reaffirms our strong focus on the industrial and logistics space and demonstrates AMP Capital’s ability to partner with large national businesses to deliver a quality product, in a prime south-west Sydney location that fits their purpose.”

The signing of WesTrac alongside Cosentino, an architectural design finishes company, which committed to 12,500 square metres last year, further enhances the appeal of Crossroads for customers who are increasingly drawn to the infrastructure and surrounding amenities.

Mr Briscoe said it was the strategic location of the centre at the cross roads of the M5 and M7 and the purpose-built facilities that were the major drivers behind WesTrac’s decision to commit to the development.

“Whilst access to arterial road and transport infrastructure remain key drivers for traditional industrial customers, proximity to retail and lifestyle amenities are factors equally as important to decision makers who are looking to attract and retain their workforce,” said Mr Briscoe.

Crossroads Logistics Centre is owned by investors in the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF) and once complete will accommodate approximately 80,000 square metres of high-quality warehouse and office space across three separate precincts.

AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund Manager Kylie O’Connor said: “The Crossroads development is consistent with the fund’s investment strategy to maximise fund performance through the development of its existing assets.

“In keeping with this strategy, the capital raised from the recent sale of the Chullora site to Abacus Property Group for $35 million will now be redeployed to develop the Crossroads Logistics Centre, which is considered core industrial and is located in the growth corridor in Western Sydney.”

Once complete, Crossroads Logistics Centre will become the cornerstone of ADPF’s industrial and logistics portfolio and one of the key drivers in delivering superior investment returns for investors.

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Ms Mason is currently Acting Chief Operating Officer for AMP Capital’s Property  business.  She previously headed AMP Capital’s Office & Industrial team and is a member of the AMP Capital  Property Leadership Team.

In an expanded role, Ms Mason will be responsible for managing the operations of  the Property business, also leading the teams responsible for the business”  asset creation and mixed use strategies, and office development pipeline. This includes responsibility for delivering  premier development opportunities for AMP Capital”s clients, including Quay Quarter Sydney.

In addition, Mr Briscoe has been appointed Managing Director of Office &  Industrial, with responsibility for one of Australia’s leading commercial and  industrial property portfolios. Currently Head of Asset Management for Office at Charter Hall, Mr  Briscoe will oversee the delivery of investment performance for AMP Capital’s Office & Industrial’s clients. With  more than 20 years in the property industry, across a range of property investment disciplines including funds management, asset management, leasing  and agency experience, Mr Briscoe will bring strong expertise and intimate  knowledge of the office and industrial sectors to his role.

Global  Head of Property Carmel Hourigan said these appointments reflect AMP Capital’s  focus on creating value for clients.

“I  am very pleased to announce these key appointments to my leadership team.  Both Louise and Luke are highly experienced  and talented property professionals, who are focused on improving the portfolio  and providing compelling investment opportunities,” Ms Hourigan said.

“I  look forward to working with Louise and Luke as we continue to build strong, trusted relationships with our stakeholders and sustained investment returns  for our clients.”

Ms Mason will commence her new role immediately while Mr Briscoe will join AMP  Capital in the first quarter of 2016.

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