Social Ventures Chief Takes on New Role
20 February 2014 at 9:26 am
Evidence based funding is becoming more mainstream in Australia but there is still a long way to go, says the founder of Social Ventures Australia, Michael Traill.
Traill’s comments come with the announcement of changes to the leadership of SVA after 12 years of operation.
Traill is handing over the CEO baton for a new organisational role as Executive Director to promote external relationships.The handover will take place from October this year and the CEO’s job will go to current board member Rob Koczkar.
Traill says most major corporates have now built in capacity funding into their giving and are more sophisticated and strategic but there’s still a long way to go.
“There’s still a lot of what I call ‘spray and play’ philanthropy out there where small amounts are given out in non-strategic ways.
“Whereas the leaders in this field are clear and careful, using performance metrics and targeted giving.”
He says he hopes to be a catalyst and enabler in the new role as Executive Director.
“We hope to connect the dots and bring people together to achieve quality outcomes,” he said.
SVA Chair Paul Robertson credits Traill as being instrumental in introducing venture philanthropy to Australia through the establishment of SVA.
“During Michael’s tenure SVA has generated more than $45 million of investment into the social sector and worked with more than 88 social ventures including the Beacon Foundation, Ganbina and AIME.
“Michael has continued to drive extraordinary initiatives like the GoodStart buyout, Australia’s largest social finance transaction. This move will allow Michael to continue to influence decision makers to find truly innovative solutions to some of Australia’s most pressing social problems’.
“We’ve built an incredibly strong team, evidence base and depth of experience over the past 12 years and I believe there is great opportunity for SVA to further increase its impact,” Traill said.
Robertson said SVA is delighted with the appointment of Rob Koczkar as CEO.
“As a passionate believer in a fairer Australia, Rob is uniquely qualified to build on the great platform that has been established at SVA. This is a ‘win-win’ for SVA – Michael will remain closely involved with SVA and we will have an exceptional CEO.”
Rob Koczkar said his involvement with SVA over the past few years had instilled in him a great respect for and confidence in the organisation, and reinforced his passion for finding innovative approaches to social challenges.
“I believe that SVA’s unique approach is a great match for my own background and skills set – so I jumped at the opportunity to take on this new role.”
Rob Koczkar joined the SVA board in April 2013. He is a GoodStart director and a principal with leading private equity fund Pacific Equity Partners.
