7 Sep 2023

A Board appointment is a significant milestone in anyone’s career and provides a platform for individuals to influence the strategic tone, culture and risk appetite of their organisation.

At Urbis, our Executive Directors are elected by their peers based on their ability to contribute to the future direction of the company and achieving our vision to shape cities and communities for a better future.

Earlier this year, at our annual board elections, our shareholders welcomed Natalie Hoitz, Group Director – Design and Sarah Horsfield (nee Emons), Director – Planning to the Board. Planning Director, Tim Blythe was also re-elected and continues his position on the Board. A reflection of our commitment to gender equality, this open election sees Urbis achieve a 60% gender balance at Board. 

Pictured: Tim Blythe; Eleni Roussos (Board Observer); Benjamin Pollack, CEO; James Tuma; Natalie Hoitz; Sarah Horsfield; Jane Kelly; Steve Tucker, Chair; Michelle Tredenick. Not pictured: Clare Brown, Board Member

It speaks volumes to where Urbis is at in its growth journey to have such a strong gender balance on its Board. The data indicates that Boards with greater female representation translates into better company performance. I am keen to put that to the test and honoured to have a seat at the table having grown through the company over the last 17 years.

Natalie Hoitz View Profile

Having worked around the globe on urban design and built-form projects, Natalie Hoitz joined Urbis 17 years ago. Based in our Brisbane office, leads our National Design Studio. With degrees in architecture, urban geography and urban design, Natalie offers clients a unique perspective to visualise great urban places and bring them to life working with large multidisciplinary teams. Natalie has delivered iconic and transformational projects, such as the QUT 2033 Master Plan, the Suva Foreshore Master Plan, and Queens Wharf Brisbane. 

 “It speaks volumes to where Urbis is at in its growth journey to have such a strong gender balance on its Board. The data indicates that Boards with greater female representation translates into better company performance. I am keen to put that to the test and honoured to have a seat at the table having grown through the company over the last 17 years,” Natalie Hoitz, Group Director – Design. 

What a privilege to be part of a history making Board at Urbis - with the strongest representation of spirited and dynamic female leaders at the executive level in the 60-year history of the business. I am so proud to be part of a culture that embraces diversity in leadership and voice across all parts of the business.

Sarah Horsfield (nee Emons) View Profile

Sarah Horsfield (nee Emons) brings 20+ years’ experience across strategic planning, major project facilitation and master planning. Sarah mobilises and empowers multi-disciplinary project teams to deliver strong client outcomes. During her time at Urbis, Sarah worked in the Middle East, advising the Dubai Government on city planning strategies to manage development in one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Now based in Melbourne, Sarah is highly regarded as leading planning advocate. 

“What a privilege to be part of a history making Board at Urbis – with the strongest representation of spirited and dynamic female leaders at the executive level in the 60-year history of the business. I am so proud to be part of a culture that embraces diversity in leadership and voice across all parts of the business,” Sarah Horsfield (nee Emons), Director – Planning. 

 Former Managing Partner, and Board member Tim Blythe specialises in urban strategy and statutory planning. An experienced and trusted planning advisor, Tim has led teams to deliver some of Sydney’s most complex and highest profile developments, including the recent award winning Quay Quarter project at Circular Quay. Tim has been instrumental in helping build Urbis’ reputation in planning. Based in NSW Tim’s great results are achieved through passion, mutual trust with the client and creating a positive impact. 

We are very excited to have Natalie, Sarah and Tim on the Board and look forward to their involvement. We also thank the outgoing board members for their significant contributions as part of our Board and look forward to their ongoing commitment to the continuing success of Urbis

Benjamin Pollack View Profile

Matthew Cleary, Regional Director Victoria and Clinton Ostwald, Director Economics and Property step down from the Board after 11 years and 3 years, respectively. Both will continue their journey at Urbis, each playing an important role in our shared vision. 

“We are very excited to have Natalie, Sarah and Tim on the Board and look forward to their involvement. We also thank the outgoing board members for their significant contributions as part of our Board and look forward to their ongoing commitment to the continuing success of Urbis,” Benjamin Pollack, CEO, Urbis.  

Please join us in congratulating our new and re-elected Board Members.