Aware Super sets up real estate platform: Names CEO

Aware Super has established a local property platform and appointed industry veteran Michelle McNally as the founding chief executive.

The $155 billion industry fund's platform - - will oversee its directly-owned Australian build-to-rent, industrial and office property portfolio.

McNally joins Aware Real Estate from ISPT, where she held several senior executive roles including general manager of its $8 billion Australian office portfolio and general manager of investor solutions, market strategy and engagement.

Before that, she worked in senior roles at Australia Post and Jones Lang LaSalle.

Damien Webb, Aware Super's deputy investment chief and head of real assets, said McNally was the standout candidate for the role.

"We set our sights on finding an accomplished, energetic and visionary leader and someone with deep, contemporary experience in the Australian property market," he said.

"In Michelle, we've found just that. We're very excited to have secured her for this position."

McNally said she was delighted to have joined the property platform.

"It's wonderful to have come on board right at the outset to put the foundations in place for Aware Real Estate to deliver the strong investment returns that Aware Super is renowned for," she said.

The new platform is being set up in partnership with Altis Property Partners, an independent Australian real estate investment manager.

The superannuation fund already has a $1.5 billion property portfolio of high-quality industrial, office and residential assets across Australia.

These include build-to-rent developments - including essential worker affordable housing - in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra, and industrial investments in Western Sydney.