The Property Council of Australia’s long-time chief executive Ken Morrison is to step down and will leave his post at the end of the year.
Morrison has been chief executive for eight years but has spent a total of 25 years with the national lobby group.
The council said in a statement Morrison was leaving to pursue other career opportunities.
He previously served as chief operating officer and national policy director and was executive director of the NSW branch.
Morrison began his career as a policy officer for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and has been chief executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum.
“It has been a special privilege to lead this organisation, but the time is right for me to step away and pursue other opportunities,” Morrison said.
“It has been immensely rewarding to make a contribution to the policies which help shape our cities and drive our economy. I hope to continue to be able to play a role in our national life in the future.”
National president of the property council David Harrison paid tribute to Morrison’s contribution to the industry and to Australian public policy.
“He has helped the industry see itself differently, led our advocacy efforts across a host of issues and navigated the organisation through the pandemic,” Harrison said.
“Ken is a leading policy thinker in cities, planning, sustainability and tax – one who knows how to influence governments to get outcomes,” he said.
“Ken leaves the property council in a very strong position: a highly influential organisation, record membership support and a clear strategy in place.”
The council said Morrison would finish at the end of the year. A search for his successor has begun.