Chris Freel is standing down as CEO of UnLtd in February after leading the media, marketing and advertising sector's social impact organisation since 2017.
“It is such a difficult decision to step away from the best job I have ever had," says Freel.
"I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to fulfil this role and have loved every minute of it. However, it feels like the right time for me to take on a new challenge and hand over to somebody who can lead UnLtd through its next chapter.
"I’m proud of the work that the industry has done through UnLtd and leave the organisation in a great place continuing to support young lives. UnLtd has an incredible team and board, and I am thankful to all that have supported me personally, and UnLtd, over the past six years.
“I would like to thank our founder Kerry McCabe, co-chairs Rebecca Darley and Adam Furness and the current directors for their support throughout the last few years, and for giving me this chance.
"It’s been an honour to build and work with the incredibly talented, passionate and driven team at UnLtd and I know the organisation is in great hands with such a strong team in place. UnLtd will always be in my blood, and I will continue to support however I can.”
McCabe: “Chris joined UnLtd at a pivotal time where growth had started to plateau. His energy, commercial nous and rare ability to relate to people at all levels across the industry has resulted in unprecedented growth, enabling many more young people to benefit from UnLtd’s services. UnLtd is now an unstoppable industry movement and Chris leaves the organisation primed to evolve further.
"We’d also like to acknowledge Rebecca and Adam for their service as Co-Chairs over the past year, and for their selfless and tireless contributions to UnLtd over a combined 30 years. Our structure, governance and processes have matured in readiness to define UnLtd’s future ambition on behalf of the industry it serves.”
UnLtd also today announced the appointment of five new board directors: Mark Coad (CEO, IPG), Professor Maree Teesson (University of Sydney), Justin Graham (CEO M&C Saatchi APAC), Tony Faure (Chair oOh! Media, Lawpath and ReadyTech) and Kristiaan Kroon (Chief Investment Officer, OMG).
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