John (JT) Thomas OAM KSS
Non-Executive Chairman
Overview
JT has been involved in banking, finance and funds management activities for over 47 years. JT began managing the Howard Mortgage Trust in 1987 with assets of $8 million and oversaw its growth through the ownership of Challenger to $2.8 billion by 2003.
Under JT’s leadership, Howard Mortgage Trust won the Money Management Magazine ‘Fund Manager of the Year Award’ on seven occasions. JT has a very strong credit risk management and lending background.
JT was Chairman of the (then) Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) mortgage trust working group from 2005-2010 with total member FUM in excess of $30 billion. JT is also an experienced non-executive director and is a former honorary treasurer of the National Council of Churches in Australia. JT was awarded a Papal Knighthood in 2011 for his charitable work and an Order of Australia Medal in 2022 for his meritorious service to business and the community.