Mario Santos has been named as the incoming Chair of Amnesty International Australia’s board.

Santos replaces Gabe Kavanagh who has been a part of the board since 2011, and chair for the past three and a half years.

“I’ve been privileged to chair the board of this extraordinary organisation. Amnesty is really in my blood since I started volunteering in 2004,” Kavanagh said. “Although I am sad to step down from this role, I am glad to hand the reins to Mario, a wonderful leader who brings a valuable blend of passion and professionalism to Amnesty, and I look forward to continuing my work on the board.”

Santos joined the Amnesty board in 2018, and most recently has served as Chair of the board’s Audit and Risk Committee and Co-Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Steering Group, as well as past roles in Amnesty’s local groups and as a Regional President. Santos brings international professional experience from his career in the education, publishing and intellectual property industries in the UK, China, US and Singapore, before moving to Australia.

“These are remarkable times in which the impact of climate change and public health crises will exacerbate existing inequalities and human rights violations. Our work for justice and equality is more important than ever,” Santos said.

“Amnesty International Australia is an outstanding organisation with an outstanding senior management team and exceptional staff, members and activists. I thank Gabe for her inspiring leadership to date, and I appreciate her continuing service on the board. It is an honour to have been elected chair, and I look forward to working with everybody in the Amnesty movement for a world in which all people enjoy all human rights.”