Press release | IPFA Announce Search for a New Chair

Press release | IPFA Announce Search for a New Chair

IPFA’s founder and global Chair, Geoff Haley, has announced his intention to step down in December 2020 after over twenty-two years at the helm of the organisation he founded back in 1998.

Geoff was admitted as a Solicitor in 1971 and holds an MBA from Henley. He practised as a Construction lawyer until 1985 but after his involvement in the Channel Tunnel in 1985, concentrated on PPP and project finance activities. He moved from industry to become a partner in a city law firm in 1993. Whilst practising in London, he established IPFA in 1998 as a not for profit vehicle to introduce education and training to produce best practice in project finance globally and raise awareness of the value of private investment (both equity and debt) in infrastructure projects, an area long dominated by public sector investment.

In recognition of Geoff’s unique role in founding IPFA, he will take on the honorary role of Life President of IPFA when the new Chair is appointed; Geoff will remain on the global board of IPFA and IPFA Training Academy as a non-executive director.

Reflecting on his time at IPFA, Geoff Haley, said “It has been a privilege and pleasure to be part of an organisation that has become a globally renowned community for infrastructure and energy professionals. IPFA has gone through huge and exciting changes over the past few years and I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved, none of which would have been possible without the support of my fellow directors, the work of our excellent and dedicated secretariat, and the commitment of our members. I’ll be handing over to my successor confident that even greater success lies in the future for this remarkable organisation.”

Daisy Brooker, Chief Executive at IPFA, said “On behalf of the Board and Secretariat, I would like to thank Geoff for his dedication, energy and support since IPFA’s inception through to today where IPFA now works with over 650 corporate members across the world. Geoff has been an inspirational Chair of IPFA and has helped build it into the organisation of influence that it is today. Together with the team, I am very much looking forward to working with Geoff in his new capacity as Life President.”

Julia Prescot, non-executive director at IPFA and Chair of the nominations committee, said “Geoff has played a key role in contributing to the strategic direction of IPFA and expanding its services to members. We are immensely grateful for Geoff’s drive, determination and contributions over the last 22 years.”

The process to appoint a new Chair for IPFA is now under way. IPFA expects to appoint a new Chair in the autumn to allow for a smooth handover process.

Contact for more information

For further information on the role of Chair, please contact Marcus de Luca ([email protected]) or Camilla Bergman ([email protected]) at Heidrick & Struggles who are the appointed executive search firm.

Press contact

Amie James-Milrose
Marketing & Membership Manager, IPFA
+44 (0)20 7427 0900 | [email protected]

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