KangaNews Market People of the Year 2017 announced

The individuals recognised as the KangaNews Market People of the Year in the KangaNews Awards 2017 were revealed for the first time at the KangaNews Awards Gala Dinner in Sydney on 14 March. For the first time, the individual categories in the KangaNews Awards were open to participants across the Australasian debt markets, and the first group of winners reflects this new diversity.

The winners represent the Australian and New Zealand markets, and include debt issuers, intermediaries and industry bodies. There is a notable presence from the growing sustainable debt sector, with two of the six winners recognised in particular for their achievements in this space.

You can see all the institutional winners from the KangaNews Awards 2017 by clicking here.

KangaNews Market People of the Year

KangaNews Market People of the Year

CHRIS DALTON AUSTRALIAN SECURITISATION FORUM

Australia’s securitisation market had its best year for more than a decade in 2017, and Chris Dalton can take as much credit as anyone else for the success of this sector’s road back to prominence. AS CEO of the ASF since 2009, Chris has led industry efforts to shape the re-regulation of the sector and to increase its profile with local and global investors.

TOM IRVING TD SECURITIES

It takes some doing for a Singapore-based Kiwi to become “Mr Kangaroo”, but Tom Irving can truly claim that mantle. Tom has overseen billions of dollars of global issuance in the Australian market and has been instrumental in securing TD Securities’ place as the pre-eminent Kangaroo bond house in this period – all while earning the praise of his clients for being a pleasure to work with.

SIMON LEWIS SUNCORP

Looking at the nominations received from awards voters, what stands out most about those mentioning Simon Lewis is the fact that more often than not they mention both the professional and personal. For instance, while one voter highlights Simon’s “extensive industry and investor work to promote Suncorp and the Australian bond market” and that he “goes the extra mile when an investor needs something”, they also make sure to point out that Simon is “also one of the nicest blokes in the industry”.

GEOFF MARTIN KIWIBANK

As Kiwibank’s head of funding, Geoff Martin lived through every issuer’s nightmare in 2017 – and emerged the other side with nothing but credit from the market. The way Geoff handled unfavourable external events around a pulled deal, including ongoing communication with investors, not only enabled Kiwibank to return to market by the end of the year but also earned him personal kudos and respect.

LOUISE TONG CONTACT ENERGY

In 2017, Contact Energy finalised the first ever green certification of a debt programme by a borrower in New Zealand and the largest by any company worldwide. Louise Tong was the key driving force behind this project at Contact, working within the company and with its banker, ANZ, to develop this groundbreaking programme.

EVA ZILELI NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK

NAB has pioneered various modes of sustainable funding for Australian banks, including being the first to issue green bonds and the first to issue social bonds. Eva Zileli has been a product champion within group treasury and is also prominent in the bank’s sustainability agenda as the banking sector seeks to reshape both its business and its reputation.