The Fred Hollows Foundation searching for next CEO

The Fred Hollows Foundation is seeking to appoint the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide visionary leadership in delivering bold eye health solutions that transform lives.

Reporting to the Board, the CEO will lead the implementation of The Foundation’s 2024-2028 Strategy, building on the rollout of its launch earlier this year. The Foundation’s vision remains what Professor Fred Hollows had always dreamed of – a world in which no person is needlessly blind or vision impaired.

Current CEO Ian Wishart has been in the role since March 2018 and will remain on until 30 June 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Acting Chair Michael Johnson paid tribute to Ian for his outstanding leadership over almost seven years. 

“The Board of The Fred Hollows Foundation is deeply grateful for Ian’s leadership,” Mr Johnson said. 

“Ian is the third CEO in our organisation’s 32-year history and brought with him extensive experience in international development, which The Foundation and in turn, millions of people around the world, have benefited from.

“The Foundation’s impact has grown significantly under Ian’s leadership and we have also expanded our work to new areas. We have become a global development organisation tackling blindness and vision impairment at the systemic level.

“This is a unique opportunity for someone highly experienced to lead this trusted organisation through our next strategic phase, which anticipates big changes in eye health systems around the world so that more people can access sight-saving treatment.”

Ian Wishart described it as an “honour and privilege” to have served as CEO.

“After a lengthy career in international development, in many ways this role has been my dream job – heading up an iconic Australian NGO that is also the global office of an expanding international development organisation,” Mr Wishart said.

“I have been privileged to work alongside incredibly dedicated and talented staff and board members. We have delivered so much together, not least a bold strategy for the future. I know the next CEO will be inheriting a fantastic team.”

“It has been an absolutely amazing experience to have played my part in the restoration of sight to so many people. I can think of no other international development intervention that has such an immediate and profoundly positive impact on people’s lives.”