New Chief for Vision Australia

Vision Australia has appointed New Zealander, Ron Hooton, as its new chief executive.

Vision Australia Chair, Dr Kevin Murfitt, said in a statement that Hooton’s skill set, career experience and professional history made him a perfect fit for positioning Vision Australia for a strong future and preparing for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“He has strong financial management skills, a high level understanding of charitable organisations and a background in information and communications technology,” Murfitt said.

Murfitt said that use of communications technology was the way of the future and it had many practical applications for Vision Australia’s clients.

“Vision Australia is building a bridge to the future, with a greater emphasis on partnerships and use of technological solutions for more efficient service delivery,” Murfitt said.

Hooton, who will move to Melbourne to take up the appointment early in the new year, is the current chief executive of New Zealand healthcare service provider, Provider, ProCare Health Limited.

He is also a director and former Chair of Childfund NZ, an international non-government organisation that distributes $12 million a year to development projects in third-world countries.

“Mr Hooton will bring a wealth of experience and drive to the challenges faced by the organisation,” Murfitt said.

Vision Australia’s General Manager, Corporate Services David Speyer will continue as Acting chief executive until Hooton takes up the permanent position in January.

“His leadership approach is one of inclusiveness and empowerment, and we are looking forward to Ron joining us in achieving our primary objective in ensuring that people who are blind or have low vision can access and participate in every part of life they choose,” Murfitt said.