Guy Bennett
Current role:
Cushman & Wakefield, Managing Director (Australia & New Zealand)
Last role at Charter Hall:
National Leasing Manager
Time at Charter Hall:
2007 – 2012
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I’m actually amazed Charter Hall accepted me! I think I was the 34th employee and it was very hard to crack! My time at Charter Hall in Sydney made my career, I tell everyone that it enabled me to transition into the office capital markets space upon leaving and become a market leading broker within two years… thanks David and team. Transacting all major CBD office buildings over the next eight years before the Government decided to raise interest rates was a highlight! My Charter Hall experience unequivocally helped me move into my current role as MD Australia and New Zealand at Cushman & Wakefield. Without doubt!
What is the most valuable lesson you learnt during your time at Charter Hall?
Accountability. Detail. Accountability. Detail. Accountability. Detail. Know your stuff and more.
Who would sit around the table at your ideal dinner party?
Obviously David Harrison. Jon Gray. Cedric Fuchs. Richie McCaw. Kerry O’Keeffe. Tina Fey. Lucy my wife. Something for everyone!
What are you currently working on that has you excited?
Company – working on a new referral program across our APAC business to drive organic revenue growth. Transaction – a funky swap involving two industrial assets and an A-Grade office building.
Our Alumni is founded on the idea of ‘Connection for life’, how have you embraced this?
I was at Charter Hall during a transformative period and formed lifelong friends with colleagues. I was very lucky – everyone was a lot smarter than me but we all stayed close. We (ie David) grew FUM exponentially and all of my colleagues / friends that have left Charter Hall are now running industry organisations. My network is thanks to Charter Hall.
You joined Charter Hall relatively early in your career, how did this set you up for success?
My time at Charter Hall was the equivalent of 15 university degrees. It fast tracked my career, certainly agency career, enormously. It taught me about accountability, risk and the huge responsibility involved with managing other people’s money.
As we look ahead to 2024, what innovations or changes do you foresee for the commercial real estate industry?
Data! Technology! Plus a continual increase and evolution of sophistication across the board. I feel the next 18 months will elevate those willing to evolve and perhaps say goodnight to those happy in their ways. FYI - I’m willing to evolve!
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