Rebecca Gundalech, 12 October, 2021
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of property group Mirvac is one of the most influential women in Australian business.
Since her appointment in 2012 as Mirvac CEO and Managing Director, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz has spearheaded the company’s growth. Prior to joining the group, Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz was Managing Director at LaSalle Investment Management. She has also held a number of senior executive roles across Australia, the United States and Europe, including in Macquarie Group, MGPA and Lend Lease Corporation.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Having the opportunity to lead the transformation of Mirvac – not just producing strong financial performance and excellent outcomes for our customers, but at the same time transforming the way we work, developing an award winning innovation program and being recognised by Dow Jones as the world’s most sustainable real estate company.
I’m so proud of what the Mirvac team has achieved.
What values are important to you in business?
At Mirvac, we pride ourselves on always doing what we say we’re going to do, on being good people to work with.
I also passionately believe that being financially successful as a company and having a highly positive impact on communities, people and the planet are not mutually exclusive goals; indeed they must go together.
What do you think the property development industry will look like in 20 years?
20 years ago, none of us would have imagined that our customers would be asking for places in which to live, work, and shop which are sustainable, and good for human health and well-being. But they are, and the property development industry is innovating to respond to our customers’ needs.
Likewise, in 20 years, we will value water as our most precious resource, and time together as our most valued discretionary spend. We are right now re-imagining what this future will be like for people who want their transactions instant but personal, their communities inclusive and safe, their journeys short and pollution free, their workplaces flexible and adaptive, and their shops and supplies local and free from slavery.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Mirvac today?
We’re a company focused on making cities vibrant and sustainable. We, like many others, are serious about how we work together to build social cohesion as we tackle the affordability crisis in Sydney and Melbourne by giving people better options.
What advice would you give to young business leaders?
First and foremost, find something you love to do, something that brings you joy and a sense of contribution and achievement. Then, find a way to work that will allow you to develop people and leadership skills at the same time as you build your technical skills, whatever industry you find yourself in.
Can you give us a sneak preview on what you will touch on at the Forum?
I’m going to be talking about my personal journey and thoughts on leadership.
Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz will join us for the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum on Wednesday 25 October 2017. To find out more, visit the QUT Business School website >>
