Centuria moves to single-CEO structure with Jason Huljich to lead
Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI) has appointed Jason Huljich as sole Group CEO, effective 27 November 2026, at the close of the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The move to a single-CEO structure follows the decision by Joint CEO John McBain to step down on the same date and transition to a Non-Executive Director role.
The Board framed the change as a planned, orderly succession aligned to its long-term strategy, rather than a sudden departure. Centuria is an ASX-listed specialist investment manager with $22.2 billion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2026).
Huljich and McBain co-founded Centuria together, with McBain having led the Group since April 2008.
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A transition built on three decades of partnership
The handover rests on a working relationship spanning more than three decades. Huljich has spent more than 30 years building Centuria’s funds management platform alongside McBain, giving continuity a central role in the succession plan.
Rather than a clean break, McBain will remain on multiple Group boards, preserving institutional knowledge as the leadership structure changes. He will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director across the following boards:
- Centuria Capital Limited (ASX)
- Centuria Life Limited
- Centuria Bass Credit Pty Limited
- Asset Plus Limited (NZX)
McBain moved to Australia in 1990 and was described in the announcement as a pioneer in real estate securitisation through Century Funds Management Limited, the genesis of what is now Centuria. According to the company, he is widely respected across the property and funds management industries for his contribution to their growth.
Kristie Brown, Centuria Chairman
“Jason’s appointment to sole leadership has the complete confidence and support of the Board. He has spent more than thirty years building Centuria’s funds management platform alongside John and brings deep knowledge of every part of our business, strong relationships across the market, and a clear vision for where we take Centuria next. The Board is genuinely excited about the growth ahead under his leadership.”
Why leadership continuity matters for CNI investors
Centuria operates as a specialist investment manager, running listed and unlisted real estate funds alongside tax-effective investment bonds. A funds management platform of this kind depends heavily on management relationships, with investor trust and long-term fund mandates often tied closely to the people leading the business.
In this model, leadership stability carries particular weight.
Centuria’s $300 million equity raising, launched in June 2026, signalled the pace of capital deployment the incoming CEO will be expected to maintain, with funds targeting GPU infrastructure through ResetData and accelerated real estate acquisitions across the group.
For CNI investors, the Board views the retention of a co-founder as a Non-Executive Director as a significant asset as the Group moves into its next chapter.
Key transition details at a glance
The table below summarises the core facts of the leadership change.
| Detail | Outgoing | Incoming | Effective Date | Ongoing Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint / Group CEO | John McBain (Joint CEO since April 2008, co-founder) | Jason Huljich (co-founder, 30+ years) | 27 November 2026 (close of AGM) | McBain to serve as Non-Executive Director across four Group boards |
The next chapter of growth
Huljich framed his appointment around building on the existing platform and leading the team into Centuria’s next phase of growth. He inherits a business with $22.2 billion in assets under management as the foundation for that next stage.
The platform Huljich inherits spans both listed and unlisted vehicles, including the Sydney CBD Prime Office Fund, a single-asset closed-end structure built around a 45-level prime-grade tower acquired at approximately 60% below estimated replacement cost.
No specific financial targets, timelines or forecasts were disclosed in the announcement.
Jason Huljich, incoming Group CEO
“I’m honoured by the Board’s confidence and excited for what’s ahead. Centuria is in a strong position and I’m looking forward to leading the team as we build on the platform John and I have grown together. I want to thank him for his partnership over more than three decades and I’m glad we’ll continue working together as he takes up his new role on our boards.”
Reflecting on the transition, McBain pointed to his intention to stay involved in a non-executive capacity while stepping back from day-to-day leadership.
John McBain, outgoing Joint CEO
“It has been a great privilege to build Centuria alongside Jason from a small team with a handful of investors to the business it is today. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created together, or more completely assured of the ability of Jason and the leadership team to take it forward. Centuria has always felt like family to me, but I feel that the time is right and I’m genuinely looking forward to staying involved supporting Jason and the team in a non-executive capacity as well as spending more time on my private interests, and especially my family.”
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