Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)

Associate Director at CEFC who took part in the Growth Capital Forum fireside chat on institutional investment.

David has more than 30 years of experience in investment markets, largely as a general partner in private equity firms. He was a Managing Director at CHAMP Private Equity, Country Head of UBS Capital and a Division Director at Macquarie Direct Investment, and began his career at McKinsey & Co. He holds engineering and MBA degrees.

Leads research at CEFC, focusing on the momentum and urgency of Australia's energy transition and clean energy investment needs.

Ian Learmonth has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation since 2017. He brings more than 25 years of experience in finance and investment across clean energy and major infrastructure projects in Australia and internationally, including over 20 years at Macquarie Group in senior roles across Sydney, London, and Hong Kong. Prior to the CEFC, he established Social Ventures Australia's impact investment business, where he structured Australia's first Social Impact Bond and raised a dedicated Social and Affordable Housing fund.

John Clifford is Chairman and investor at Gridcog. He has worked as a private equity and venture capital investor, serving as a principal lead on over 30 MBO and development capital transactions while at 3i and Rothschild, with experience spanning the UK, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. He holds a Master's degree in Engineering and Management from Birmingham University and began his career as an engineer at Jaguar Cars.

Sara Leong is Chief Asset Management Officer at Clean Energy Finance Corporation. She is a non-executive director and investment professional with international experience in infrastructure, utilities, and asset management, including roles as director, investor, and lender to major infrastructure assets for public and private sector pension funds. Her background spans investment banking, corporate finance, governance, and risk management, with experience advising boards and senior management on strategic initiatives.