Lendlease star Hickey leaves after a decade

Mr Hickey did not respond to calls by the time of publication, but its understood he will support Ms Johnston through a transition period beginning November 1 this year.

After serving as the chief executive of ING Real Estate, Mr Hickey joined the company in 2012 to lead the Australian development business. He then relocated to New York in 2014 to reset the company’s US operations.

Lendlease chief executive officer Tony Lombardo said in a statement that Mr Hickey had played “a significant role in transforming our US operations” especially in the areas of investment and development pipeline.

“Under his leadership, the company has increased our US funds and assets under management to $US16 billion ($24.7 billion) and has created a development pipeline of more than $US28 billion including the flagship development partnership with Google,” Mr Lombardo said.

“But even more importantly, his legacy will be defined by the strength and capability of the US leadership team.”

“Recently, as we reset the company for growth, Denis assumed a broader role as the Global Chief Operating Officer to support resetting the operational rhythm of the business, including creating uniform processes, clearer lines of accountability and simplifying operations.”

“With the heavy lifting around our reorganisation largely complete, I will be assuming those responsibilities as we move into the create phase.”

Ms Johnston has been with Lendlease for 26 years, starting as a graduate in Australia. She has worked across the business with some of the company’s largest customers, including the US Department of Defence, running the military housing portfolio and, more recently, the Google development.

“Claire is a deeply credentialed and respected property leader with a proven track record of partnership and driving results at a global level,” Mr Lombardo said.