Julia Gentile

Current role: 

Adelaide Airport Limited Head of Property Development

Last role at Charter Hall:

Development Manager

Time at Charter Hall:

2021 – 2024

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the transition I’ve made from being in a technically trained architecture role, into a leader shaping complex property outcomes. Across my career, but particularly through my time at Charter Hall and now at Adelaide Airport, I’ve had the opportunity to work on high quality developments that balance commercial performance, placemaking and long‑term stewardship. Stepping into a role where I’m trusted to lead strategy, teams and major decisions has been a defining achievement for me.

What is the most valuable lesson you learnt during your time at Charter Hall?

The most valuable lesson I learnt at Charter Hall was the importance of viewing property through the lens of the customer. It reinforced that successful developments are those that genuinely understand end users including tenants, visitors and the wider communities, and respond to how people actually use and experience the space. I learnt that when you prioritise customer needs and thoughtfully contribute to the surrounding urban fabric, you create precincts that are more resilient, more valuable and more meaningful over the long term. That way of thinking continues to shape how I approach development today.

What are you currently working on that has you excited?

I’m currently working on reshaping how non‑aviation property can enhance the overall airport ecosystem. Airports are incredible, large scale environments with long‑term horizons, and I’m excited by the challenge of developing assets that perform commercially while improving customer experience, business resilience and operational value. We have the development of entire precincts on the horizon at Adelaide Airport and I very much look forward to seeing those evolve. 

Our Alumni is founded on the idea of ‘Connection for life’, how have you embraced this?

I’ve embraced ‘Connection for life’ by maintaining strong relationships with former Charter Hall colleagues. I was lucky enough to work across both Adelaide and Sydney offices and made some good friends and mentors who continue to support me in my growth. Charter Hall is great at encouraging collaboration whether that’s partnering professionally, seeking advice, or simply staying connected as friends. I still value the Charter Hall network as a place for honest conversations, shared experience and mutual support. Those relationships don’t end when you leave an organisation, they evolve and often become more valuable over time.

You have an architecture degree, how has that influenced the way you think about buildings, place and long‑term value?

An architectural background has given me a deep appreciation for how buildings shape experience, behaviour and identity over time. It’s trained me to think holistically, about context, longevity and adaptability. While I now operate firmly within a commercial and strategic environment, that design mindset still anchors my thinking and approach. Good places add value, are resilient, human‑centric and capable of evolving as needs change.

You’re now heading up property development at an airport, what makes that environment so different from other property contexts?

Airports are unlike any other property environment because they operate as critical infrastructure, commercial precincts and public places all at once. Security, safety and operational continuity sit alongside development ambition, which adds layers of complexity you don’t see elsewhere. 

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