The George Institute welcomes Dr Paul Schreier as new Board Chair

Leading medical research organisation, The George Institute for Global Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Paul Schreier as its Board Chair, which was effective from March 1, 2025.

Dr Schreier brings a wealth of leadership experience working with organisations that play a critical role in global health, notably as Interim CEO of the Wellcome Trust (2023-2024) and its Chief Operating officer from 2019. He led initiatives on COVID-19 treatments and served as the global therapeutics co-lead for the World Health Organization's Accelerating COVID-19 Tools partnership.

His diverse background encompasses significant contributions across the commercial, public, university and non-profit sectors, including as Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Australia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at Macquarie University (Sydney), McKinsey Partner, and as CEO of Hakluyt. Dr Schreier is currently the CEO of SimplyHealth.

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The Board is delighted to welcome Dr Paul Schreier, who brings senior, relevant experience from across Australia, the UK and India, where our main centres are located. Paul’s international perspective, combined with his strategic vision, will be invaluable as we continue to work across the world conducting rigorous, high-quality research to drive meaningful improvements in health.

By: Catherine BrennerInterim Chair

Professor Anushka Patel, CEO of The George Institute, expressed enthusiasm about Dr Schreier's appointment:

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We’re thrilled to welcome Paul as our new Board Chair. His extensive experience across corporate, non-government organisations, and government sectors aligns seamlessly with our mission to address the world's most pressing health challenges. Paul's leadership will be instrumental as we embark on our next phase of growth.

By: Anushka PatelCEO of The George Institute

Dr. Schreier shared his excitement about joining the Institute:

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The George Institute's commitment to improving global health outcomes resonates deeply with me. I am honoured to join an organisation with such a strong reputation and impactful partnerships worldwide. Together, we will strive to advance health equity and make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions.

By: Dr. Schreier

In addition to his executive roles, Dr Schreier has held notable board positions, including Chair of the prestigious Wellcome Sanger Institute (Genome Research LTD), and memberships on the boards of the Francis Crick Institute and the National Army Museum in London. He also serves on the strategic advisory council of the India Alliance, a health research funder based in Hyderabad.

Dr Schreier's appointment follows a global search conducted by Egon Zehnder.