HammondCare Board Chair, John Kightley, said Mr Baird had been selected after a rigorous search for the critical appointment, that commenced when Dr Judd announced last July his intention to stand down in 2020.

Mike Baird has extensive leadership experience with his career spanning the government and banking sectors. For more than 10 years he served in the NSW Parliament as Member for Manly and, most notably, was the 44th Premier of New South Wales between 2014 and 2017. He was NSW Treasurer from 2011 to 2014.

During his time as NSW Premier and Treasurer, the state recorded the fastest economic growth in the country, the lowest jobless rate, undertook the largest infrastructure program in the State’s history, delivered record building approvals, and the budget went into surplus whilst retaining its AAA credit rating.

Mr Baird also has held multiple executive roles in the banking industry including working across the globe for NAB, HSBC and Deutsche Bank and most recently Chief Customer Officer – Consumer Banking at NAB in Australia. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) and a Diploma of Christian Studies from Regent College, Canada.

“I am excited to welcome Mike Baird to HammondCare from September 1 and I am confident his appointment will help ensure the continuing success of HammondCare both in organisational performance and in the relentless pursuit of our mission to improve quality of life for people in need,” Mr Kightley said.

“Alongside Mike’s strong leadership credentials, the other essential criteria for this appointment include a passion to genuinely serve the community and help others, as well as a strong Christian commitment.”

Mr Baird said that he was thrilled to move to this new role.

“I didn’t have to look much further than their mission to see that this was a cause I wanted to be a part of – Our passion is improving quality of life for people in need. On a daily basis, living out the mission for HammondCare are 4000 staff and 1000 volunteers. I can think of no greater privilege than to help them care for some of the most vulnerable people across Australia.” Mr Baird said.

Mr Kightley thanked Dr Judd for his more than 25 years service to HammondCare and the health and aged care sectors more broadly.

“Since he became Chief Executive in 1995, HammondCare has grown from serving 250 clients with an annual revenue of $8 million, to caring for more than 25,000 people, with 2018-19 revenue of more than $300 million.

“As Chair of the HammondCare Board, it has been a privilege to work alongside Stephen for the past 10 years.”

Dr Judd warmly welcomed the appointment of Mr Baird and said HammondCare was very intentional about planning for the future and this orderly change of Chief Executive was essential for promoting seamless service delivery, cultural continuity and the achievement of HammondCare’s mission.

HammondCare is an independent Christian charity and leading provider of health and aged carer services, with a focus on dementia care and palliative care, with more than 4000 staff operating across more than 60 service locations nationally.