CEFC appoints Ian Learmonth as new CEO

The board of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has appointed Ian Learmonth (pictured) as its new chief executive officer. He will join the corporation on 15 May to replace outgoing CEO Oliver Yates, who advised the board late last year of his decision to step down.

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

Learmonth currently leads the Impact Investing team at Social Ventures Australia, which has a strong crossover 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 AO 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.

Broadbent also paid tribute to Yates, stating that the CEFC’s inaugural CEO helped deliver 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,” she said.

Speaking about his new position, Learmonth said, “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.”