KUALA LUMPUR (April 8): Lendlease has promoted Justin Gabbani as the group chief executive officer (CEO), Asia based in Singapore, to succeed Tony Lombardo who was made the group CEO in February. 

In a press statement today, the Australia-based property group said the appointment will commence on June 1. He was most recently the chief financial officer (CFO), Asia, looking after key functions across the region, including finance, investment and capital markets, research and strategy.

He was previously the head of investment and capital markets (Asia and Europe) in the same company, responsible for investments, capital raising, investor relations, product development and research across Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, Lendlease also announced the appointment of Deborah Yates as the chief people officer, based in Sydney. Her position will start on July 1.

She was most recently the national managing partner for people and corporate affairs at KPMG, leading its people strategy with a particular focus on creating a mentally healthy culture that empowers people to successfully execute the organisation’s strategy.

Prior to joining KPMG, she was the chief human resources (HR) officer at Reckitt Benckiser, leading the talent agenda, culture and major projects including integrating significant acquisitions. Her career with Reckitt Benckiser began in Australia and took her to the Netherlands, the US and the UK.

Lombardo, who succeeds Steve McCann, noted that Gabbani had been based in Singapore since 2011 and is well credentialed to lead the group’s Asia business as it progresses a range of significant opportunities across the region.

“Commencing his career at Lendlease in 2003 as part of our graduate programme, Justin has held a number of strategic roles across the group, including the past 4.5 years as our Asia CFO,” he added.

“As our newly appointed chief people officer, Deborah [meanwhile] comes to Lendlease with more than 25 years’ experience leading the people functions of a range of high-profile organisations and companies. Her strong track record in working alongside people to develop their skills and capabilities, as well as driving inclusion and diversity, makes her well placed to make a significant contribution to our 9,500-strong global workforce.”

McCann said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Justin and Deb on their respective appointments. Their demonstrated skills and expertise will bring valuable new perspectives to Lendlease’s global leadership team as the group continues to execute against its record US$110 billion (about RM454.92 billion) global development pipeline.”