Centuria Capital Group has announced a planned leadership transition, with Jason Huljich set to assume the role of sole Group Chief Executive Officer effective 27 November 2026. The move represents a shift from the company’s dual-CEO structure, with co-founder John McBain stepping down from executive duties to take up a Non-Executive Director position across multiple Centuria entities. This succession marks a significant governance change for the $22 billion funds management group, though one that maintains continuity through McBain’s ongoing board involvement.
The timing of the transition carries strategic intent. McBain has led Centuria since April 2008, alongside Huljich as the company navigated growth from its origins in real estate securitisation through Century Funds Management Limited. The November changeover coincides with Centuria’s AGM, providing a clean administrative transition point. The Board has framed this move as consistent with its long-term strategy to ensure seamless leadership succession as the group enters its next growth phase. This language suggests the change has been planned rather than reactive, with both executives aligned on the direction.
Huljich brings more than thirty years of experience building Centuria’s funds management platform, having co-founded the group with McBain. The continuity this represents matters for investors. A leadership change between co-founders can trigger uncertainty about strategy and execution, but here Huljich’s deep institutional knowledge should ease that concern. The Board’s explicit endorsement of his appointment, coupled with McBain’s voluntary decision to step back rather than being pushed, suggests confidence in the succession plan. McBain’s retention as a Non-Executive Director on multiple Centuria boards also provides institutional memory and oversight during the transition period.
The shift to a single-CEO structure warrants attention from an operational perspective. Dual leadership models can distribute accountability or create bottlenecks, depending on how they function. A sole CEO with clear authority may streamline decision-making as Centuria pursues growth opportunities. Investors should monitor how effectively Huljich consolidates the role and whether any changes to strategic priorities or operational focus emerge in his first months as sole leader. McBain’s comments framing the transition as timely, noting his desire to pursue private interests while remaining involved in governance, also suggest a smooth handover rather than a power struggle.
The announcement includes specific endorsements from Centuria Chairman Kristie Brown and from McBain himself, both emphasizing respect and partnership through the change. These statements help reinforce market confidence ahead of potential earnings updates or strategic announcements. Investors should expect more detail on any new strategic initiatives and whether the business will face any near-term headwinds during the leadership transition. The November effective date provides several months for markets to process this governance change. This announcement has been flagged as price sensitive by the ASX and constitutes material information for investors.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About Centuria Capital Limited (ASX: CNI)
Centuria Capital Limited is an Australian investment manager specializing in property and real estate across multiple asset classes. The company manages listed real estate investment trusts, unlisted property funds, and real estate credit funds spanning office, industrial, retail, healthcare, and agricultural properties. It provides investment products and financial services to institutional and individual investors seeking exposure to property markets.
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