CARE Australia announces the appointment of Kirsty Robertson to the role of CEO.  

Her most recent leadership positions include CEO of Caritas Australia and Vice President of Caritas Internationalis. 

Kirsty will formally commence her new role on Monday 9th September.  

Over the course of her career Kirsty has lived and worked in Nepal, Brazil and Ethiopia and she also has extensive experience shaping and delivering development programs across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to CARE, with over twenty years spent in the international aid, development and not-for-profit sector. She has lived and worked across the Indo-Pacific and has travelled extensively to programme sites in several other regions.  

Kirsty is passionate about women’s voice and leadership and uses every opportunity to highlight that poverty cannot be overcome without empowering women and girls. Having worked alongside CARE throughout her career, Kirsty admires CARE’s dedication to strive for gender equality. 

She holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Macquarie University, a Bachelor of Economics and Social Sciences from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership from Australian Catholic University. 

“I have long admired CARE’s work alongside some of the most remote and marginalised communities,” said Kristy. 

“Amidst widespread gender inequality, the climate crisis and continued conflict, CARE delivers impactful programmes while also empowering women and girls.” 

“As such I’m looking forward to joining a team that puts women and girls at the centre of everything they do,” she added. 

Morgana Ryan will continue in her current role as Interim CEO, to ensure a smooth transition with Kirsty over the coming weeks. 

In addition to welcoming Kirsty into her new position, the CARE Australia Board thanks Morgana for her leadership over the past eight months and wishes her the very best in her future endeavours. 

Related: CARE Australia echoes UN call for more female humanitarian leadership