A major infrastructure investor will soon be chaired by its second successive Labor figure. 

IFM Investors has announced Cath Bowtell - a former super fund CEO, Labor candidate, Australian Council of Trade Unions official and member of several other boards - as its new chairwoman. 

Bowtell says she aims to transform the company from “an Australian company that has a global presence to being a really truly global company”.

The development follows Bowtell's promotion from deputy chairwoman to the top position, replacing former Labor minister Greg Combet, who now leads the government's Net Zero Economy Agency.

IFM Investors, with assets such as Sydney Airport, AusGrid, Port Botany, and Port Kembla, plans to expand its presence overseas. 

Bowtell has highlighted the importance of forming consortiums and partnering with pension funds and mutual funds from overseas markets, including the potential of collaborating with European, UK, and US pension plans, which traditionally have had limited exposure to infrastructure investments. 

Bowtell has specifically mentioned the opportunities in the energy transition, particularly due to the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act.

IFM Investors also announced the appointment of Lindsay Tanner, one of Australia’s Keating-era finance ministers, to the board. 

While IFM has been known to favour industry super funds and individuals with Labor and union affiliations, Bowtell defended the approach by highlighting the benefits of their experience and dedication to representing working people. 

She expressed confidence in the board's composition, as six out of eight directors do not have Labor links.

Bowtell’s extensive experience in the superannuation sector and her dedication to supporting working people align with her vision for IFM Investors as it seeks to expand globally.

IFM Investors has previously made headlines for its alleged committed to reducing the carbon impact of its investments, and its target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions across asset classes by 2050.