David Blight has resigned as chief executive officer of ING’s real estate investment management business and from the management board of ING Real Estate.
In a statement today, Blight said he had tendered his resignation for family reasons.
Commenting on his decision, he said: “It is with much regret that I have tendered my resignation, but have done so for family reasons and in order to relocate back to Australia. I have greatly enjoyed my time at ING Real Estate. It is a truly great company with extremely talented people and it is pleasing to leave knowing the business is in good shape.”
He added he would continue to work with the company as a director of the group’s Australian listed funds.
Blight stepped up to his present role in January 2005 and since then has championed the formation of a global opportunity real estate platform. He appointed David Gilbert from JP Morgan last year to lead the opportunity fund from New York.
ING said Blight would leave the business at the end of August.
George Jautze, chief executive officer of ING Real Estate, expressed sadness at the decision but added he understood the well-being of family was paramount.
“He has made an enormous contribution to the growth of the business and the management board and I wish him and his family well for the future,” added Jautze.
ING Real Estate will make an announcement about Blight’s replacement nearer the time of his leaving.
For an exit interview with Blight and a profile of the group’s new opportunity real estate platform see the combined July/August issue of PERE next month.
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