Australia’s leading infrastructure advisory body has a new leader following an announcement that a leading advocate for sustainable development has been appointed to the role.

In her latest announcement, Infrastructure Australia Chairperson Julianne Alroe said that the board had appointed Romilly Madew as the new chief executive officer of the organisation.

The appointment comes after an eight month search for a new leader following the sudden departure last May of former CEO Phillip Davis.

May resigned after only one three-year term after deciding not to seek renewal for a second term appointment.

Having previously served as the chief executive officer of the Green Building Council of Australia, Madew is highly regarded for her work in promoting sustainable construction, well designed infrastructure and cities and the advancement of women in business.

Her current roles include being an executive committee member of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council and a member of the Federal Government’s Cities Reference Group, a member of the National Sustainable Development Council, board memberships of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the Surf Life Saving Foundation.

She is also a member of Chief Executive Women and a joint founder of the Minerva Network which supports women in the business of sport.

In 2017, she received the World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award for her contribution to a sustainable built environment.

The move comes as Infrastructure Australia prepares to release the latest infrastructure audit and to begin work on the next infrastructure plan.

Madew says she looks forward to helping governments decide how to prioritise infrastructure projects.

“I look forward to growing the organisation’s focus on delivering better outcomes for individual users across transport, energy, telecommunications, water and social infrastructure,” Madew said.

GBCA Board of Directors Rod Fehring thanks Madew for her work, noting that the number of Green Star rated projects had grown from just a handful when she started in 2006 to more than 2,250 today.

“Behind these statistics and recognition lie Romilly’s incredible level of dedication, passion and enthusiasm for the built environment, and for a better Australia.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the hundreds of companies she has worked with, I thank Romilly for her service.”

Madew will commence at IA in April.