CEFC appoints new chief executive officer

Ian Learmonth

The Board of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has appointed Ian Learmonth as its new chief executive officer.

Mr Learmonth has a strong background in financial services, both in Australia and internationally and has advised and invested on a range of large-scale infrastructure projects, including renewable energy technologies.

“I look forward to leading the CEFC to fulfil its role in increasing the flows of finance into the clean energy sector and contributing to efforts to meet Australia’s targeted reductions in CO2 emissions,” Mr Learmonth said.

Mr Learmonth currently leads the Impact Investing team at Social Ventures Australia, which has a strong cross over with CEFC investment activities, particularly in the areas of energy efficient affordable housing and the built environment.

He has also served as an independent member of the CEFC Executive Investment Committee for the past nine months.

CEFC chair Jillian Broadbent said the Board was delighted to welcome Ian as the new CEO.

“His diverse experience, demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking will serve the CEFC well in the next phase of our activities as we continue to deliver on our mission to catalyse new investment into the clean energy sector,” she said.

“This is an important time in the evolution of Australia’s energy markets and indeed the CEFC.

“Clean energy is available at increasing scale and price competitiveness and significant new investment is required if we are to achieve the goal of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.

“With appropriate planning and coordination, including around strengthened transmission, demand management systems and storage capacity, we are confident Australia’s energy mix can incorporate higher levels of clean energy.”

Ms Broadbent also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Oliver Yates, who advised the Board late last year of his decision to step down.

“As our inaugural CEO, Oliver built an effective investment platform with a high-quality team,” she said.

“We have an exciting pipeline of opportunities and have delivered a strong investment performance across a diverse portfolio covering over $3.3 billion in commitments.

“Oliver leaves with our sincere appreciation and we wish him every success for the future.”

Mr Learmonth will begin his role on May 15.

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