Macquaire Group names head of asset management as first female CEO

Shemara Wikramanayake to succeed Nicholas Moore as Macquaire chief executive and managing director at end of November.

Macquaire Group has announced Shemara Wikramanayake the group’s first female chief executive, following the confirmation that current chief executive Nicholas Moore is set to retire.

Wikramanayake, who currently heads up Macquaire Asset Management, will take on the role when Moore steps down as chief executive and managing director of the group on 30 November this year.

 “I have been honoured to lead our teams through a period of unprecedented market change, profitable growth and many projects that have positively impacted our clients and the communities in which we operate around the world,” Moore commented.

“Macquarie succeeds thanks to the opportunities that flow from the commitment and expertise of our people and these are qualities that I’m confident will continue to flourish under the leadership of Shemara and the broader management team.”

Wikramanayake joined the group in 1987 and over a 30-year tenure played a crucial role in the establishment of Macquaire Capital, before taking on the position of head of Macquaire Asset Management in 2008.

“I am honoured to be asked by the Board to succeed Nicholas as CEO of Macquarie,” said Wikramanayake. “I have had the privilege of working with him for 30 years, including the last 10 with him as CEO. He leaves Macquarie in an outstanding position, having led the business to a record level of earnings, a robust funding and capital position, an excellent leadership team and solid momentum for the future.”

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