Welcoming Greg Hutchinson AM as new Board Chair

The Centre for Social Impact is pleased to welcome social entrepreneur, for-purpose director, philanthropist and long-term supporter of social impact education and research, Greg Hutchinson AM as its incoming Board Chair, following the retirement of Professor Peter Shergold AC.

Mr Hutchinson has a long history with the Centre for Social Impact. He was deeply involved in the first conversations about establishing the centre and played a key role in shaping its structure before serving on the initial Board for three years. He served another three-year term from 2014 and has remained closely engaged with the Centre for Social Impact’s work as a member of its Sydney Advisory Council .

Mr Hutchinson takes up the Chair position following a long and respected career in Australian and international business and social change leadership. He has spent over forty years at global strategy firm Bain & Company, where he has held several leadership roles working within and across Australasia and Europe.

Since 2000, Mr Hutchinson has deepened his involvement with the community sector as a social entrepreneur and director. He was founding CEO and then Deputy Chairman of Workplace Giving Australia, a founding Director of Goodstart Early Learning and Chair of Paul Ramsay Foundation. Mr Hutchinson has also served as Director at several other for-purpose organisations including Women’s Community Shelters and as advisor/ambassador/director at other for purpose organisations in education, philanthropy, capacity building and the arts.

Mr Hutchinson and his wife Lynda also generously fund the Indigenous Female Social Impact Scholarship for students at UNSW. In 2014 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to community, philanthropy, business and social enterprise.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Greg as the Centre for Social Impact’s new Board Chair,” said Acting CEO Dr Lyndsey McKee .

“Greg has considerable knowledge of our development, our purpose and vision for social change. His business acumen and his hands-on experience within the social purpose ecosystem have made him a trusted and valuable advisor over the years, with his work across multiple sectors providing a deep understanding of the possibilities and challenges facing the social economy. We are excited to work with Greg as he takes on this new role, to help us further progress our collective work and impact.”

Retiring Board Chair Professor Peter Shergold AC also congratulated his successor on the appointment.

"Greg has been a crucial supporter of the Centre for Social Impact since its inception. He was pivotal in its foundation including organising a pro bono Bain team to help lay out its first operating plan. Greg’s diverse career and experience here and internationally gives him a unique perspective and skillset that will further drive the Centre for Social Impact forward in its mission to catalyse positive social change in Australia.”

Mr Hutchinson said he was honoured to be taking on the role of Board Chair and recognised the many leadership contributions of Professor Shergold.

“On behalf of the Board and the whole Centre for Social Impact community, I extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to Peter. He has played a central role since becoming inaugural CEO, to establish the innovative and collaborative direction of the Centre for Social Impact. In addition, these past six years under his leadership as Chair have brought together the unique expertise of our four university partners.

His commitment to transformative change and lasting social impact for people and communities are just some of the reasons I am honoured to be rejoining the Board. Peter’s commitment, enthusiasm, skill and wisdom are unparalleled.”