Shemara Wikramanayake is stepping down as chief executive officer of Macquarie Group Ltd. after steering the Australian financial conglomerate to record profits and a historic share price high. Her departure marks the end of a transformative tenure that began in 2018 when she became the firm's first female CEO.

Under Wikramanayake's leadership, Macquarie expanded its global asset management and green energy investments, driving the stock to all-time highs. The board credited her strategic vision for delivering consistent returns across economic cycles, including navigating the pandemic-driven market volatility.

For her service, Wikramanayake will receive a $339 million stake, placing her among the world's highest-compensated female banking executives. The payout reflects long-term incentive awards tied to performance hurdles that were significantly exceeded during her tenure.

Macquarie announced that Deputy CEO Nicholas O'Kane will succeed her effective April 2025, ensuring continuity in the firm's institutional strategy. The transition comes as the Sydney-based group continues to pivot toward renewable infrastructure and technology-focused capital deployment.