Tony Stuart Takes the Helm of UNICEF Australia

The former group CEO of the National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA), Tony Stuart, has left the corporate world behind and taken up the helm of UNICEF Australia, the world’s leading advocate for children.

Photo: Valeriya Anufriyeva / Shutterstock.com

Stuart, who was also recently appointed chair of the Advisory Board of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), said he was honoured to be joining UNICEF Australia as CEO.

“UNICEF is a highly regarded brand, with an outstanding track record throughout the world,” Stuart said.

“Here at home, UNICEF plays a vital role, enabling Australians to contribute to making a lasting difference to the lives of children, particularly those most marginalised.

“I look forward to working with the UNICEF Australia team to further expand our partnerships, and to advance the rights and improve the lives of all children.”

Stuart told Pro Bono Australia News that he didn’t see the sector as Not for Profit, rather as “for social purpose”.

“Championing social purpose is even more rewarding than championing shareholder returns,” he said.

“There are many tremendous charities in Australia and overseas.

“The digital age is making a much closer global community and UNICEF stands out as an exceptional organisation, shining a light on child rights and helping improve child wellbeing across the world.

“I’m looking forward to listening and learning, about the sector and how we can all make a contribution in an environment in which we can’t continue to rely on government, and where we collectively play an increasingly important role in Australia’s future humanitarian efforts at home and abroad.”

UNICEF, which promotes the rights and wellbeing children, announced the appointment on Friday saying Stuart had a deep and longstanding commitment to the sector.

UNICEF Australia president John Stewart welcomed the appointment.

“Tony joins UNICEF Australia at an exciting and important time,” Stewart said.

“Whilst UNICEF Australia has grown considerably over recent years, so too has our ambition to do even more to stand up for the rights of children throughout the world.”

Stuart, who is also the former CEO of Sydney Airports Corporation, is due to commence the role on 18 July 2016.

The move comes after he stepped down from NRMA last year as the longest serving CEO after 12 years at the helm.

He brings 20 years corporate experience in marketing, financial services and other executive and board roles and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership.

Stuart is also involved in a range of community activities including membership on the national board of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the executive of the Committee for Sydney and the board of directors of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals.

He was also appointed chair of the Advisory Board of the ACNC in May last year, following a revamp of the board by the federal government.