Business leader Naomi Flutter has been appointed Chair of The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Ms Flutter is the Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs at Wesfarmers, and has a strong connection to The Kids through its Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases.
Interim Chair Jane Muirsmith said Ms Flutter brings to the Board a strong financial acumen, a business management background and a personal and professional interest in Indigenous health and education, which she most recently advanced in her non-executive role as Pro Chancellor at the Australian National University.
“We are delighted Naomi will be joining us at this pivotal time in the Institute’s 30-year history,” Ms Muirsmith said. “Her expertise and leadership in business, education and strategic planning will help guide the Institute as it embarks on an ambitious 10-year vision to pursue new breakthroughs and deliver solutions to the biggest challenges to the health and happiness of kids everywhere.”
Ms Flutter said she was thrilled to be taking on the role at an organisation close to the hearts of all Western Australians.
“The Kids has been at the forefront of significant discoveries and findings that have improved the lives and wellbeing of children, not just in WA but globally,” Ms Flutter said.
“It’s a world-leading child health research Institute and I’m looking forward to working with the inspiring researchers who dedicate their life’s work to making a real difference to children and families facing physical and mental health challenges.”
Ms Flutter holds honours degrees in Economic History and Law from ANU and Master of Public Policy from Harvard University's John F Kennedy School of Government.
The Kids Executive Director Professor Jonathan Carapetis said he was thrilled to be working with Ms Flutter, to continue to tackle some of the biggest challenges impacting child health and development.
“Naomi joins the Institute at a key time; next month we will be revealing our new brand alongside our 10-year Strategic Plan which sets us important, yet achievable goals to tackle major child health challenges. It’s an exciting time and I know Naomi’s leadership and passion to make a difference will help guide us.”
Ms Flutter replaces the Hon. Julie Bishop, who announced last month that she was stepping down after five years, to focus on her role as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar.