Beyond Blue Deputy Chair Kate Carnell AO will assume the role of interim Chair for Beyond Blue following the appointment of incumbent Sam Mostyn AO as Australia’s governor-general designate.
A decorated Liberal Party figure, Ms Carnell has extensive governance and leadership experience across politics, health, business and not-for-profit sectors.
She served on the Beyond Blue Board from 2008-12 and then as Beyond Blue’s CEO until 2014. She was reappointed to the Board in late 2016.
Ms Carnell has also served as ACT Chief Minister and Health Minister, is a former CEO of the Australian General Practice Network and fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She was the inaugural Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, former CEO of Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and originally trained as a pharmacist.
Ms Carnell said: “I congratulate Sam on her appointment to this important position. Sam has a skill set that will serve this nation well. Whoever she deals with, she deals with as an equal, as somebody she cares about. She listens and importantly she acts on things that are important to her."
“I’m pleased to be stepping in as Beyond Blue’s interim Chair and look forward to continuing the organisation’s work supporting all Australians to achieve their best possible mental health.”
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said: “Given Kate’s extensive experience inside and outside of Beyond Blue we are delighted that she has accepted the Board’s invitation to be interim Chair until the Board appoints a new Chair.”
“Kate has always been an active and incisive contributor to Board discussions and has excellent networks and relationships with our partners, stakeholders and governments.”
Ms Mostyn’s appointment as governor-general takes effect on 1 July. In line with protocol, she stepped down as Beyond Blue Chair yesterday when she became Australia’s governor-general designate.
