Philanthropy Australia CEO resigns

Philanthropy Australia is searching for a new CEO following the resignation of Louise Walsh after only two years in the job.

The president of the peak philanthropic body, Alan Schwartz AM, said that Walsh had taken the decision to leave for both professional and personal reasons.

Following Walsh’ departure, Philanthropy Australia has decided to restructure the executive of the company, and as a result, there will no longer be a deputy CEO role.

This means Anna Draffin, deputy CEO, will also be leaving the organisation.

Schwartz praised Walsh for leading Philanthropy Australia through a series of successful and very significant changes including the expansion of the Sydney office, the opening of offices in South Australia and Queensland and the launch of the New Generation of Giving program for young donors between the ages of 20 and 40.

Founder and long-standing managing director of Primary Health Care, Dr Edmund Bateman, has announced his retirement from the medical centre, pathology and radiology business.

The 72-year-old has advised the board that he will step down in January 2015, although he will retain his position on the board.

Dr Bateman has been with the company for almost 30 years. He began a period of sick leave in September, while suffering from an undisclosed illness. In his absence, finance director, Andrew Duff, stepped into the role of acting managing director.

Following the announcement, chairman Robert Ferguson said the board is working with an external consultancy to find a replacement. The process will involve internal and external candidates, he said in a statement.