Ross Piper commences as new CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Fred Hollows Foundation has started a new chapter with Ross Piper commencing as new Chief Executive Officer this week.
Mr. Piper joins the global eye health organisation with over 30 years of leadership and management experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors including at World Vision International, where he was Chief Operating Officer and led operations in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and various countries of the former Yugoslavia.
Prior to joining The Foundation, Mr. Piper was Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical, where he oversaw AUD $9 billion in assets and over 130,000 members across Australia. He was also Chair of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia.
Mr. Piper said he was excited to join The Foundation and continue his lifelong commitment to making a positive human impact.
“It’s an honour to join this iconic organisation which has had such a significant impact on so many lives around the world,” Mr. Piper said.
“The ability to restore sight or prevent blindness is profound and transformational. I’ve seen this first-hand in various places I have lived and worked throughout my career. The Foundation has a remarkable legacy of impacting lives in Australia and around the world. The need for this work is greater than ever, and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of the next season of growth and impact for The Foundation.”
“Fred was a true pioneer, a visionary who believed in rolling up his sleeves and getting the job done no matter what. That spirit is still alive in The Foundation today and I feel very fortunate to now be a part of it.”
Chair of The Fred Hollows Foundation Jane Madden welcomed Mr. Piper to the organisation as the fourth CEO in The Foundation’s 32-year history.
“Ross is a highly respected international development leader who brings deep expertise in ethical and impact investing, and organisational leadership in complex domestic and international environments,” Ms. Madden said.
“The Foundation has bold plans to make a bigger impact in eye health, and Ross is perfectly positioned to lead us into an exciting new era as we roll-out our 2024-2028 Strategy.
“The Foundation’s Board selected Ross because of his strong leadership credentials, spanning global international development with C-suite business and finance roles. He brings strong commercial and financial acumen to The Foundation, with a deep track record of global influencing, strategic nous and great people leadership.”
Mr. Piper’s appointment comes after former CEO Ian Wishart announced in September 2024 he would step down from the role in 2025 after seven years at the helm of The Foundation.