Co-founders of The George Institute to step down
After more than 20 years at the helm, co-founders of The George Institute for Global Health Professor Robyn Norton AO and Professor Stephen MacMahon AO have announced they will step down from their Principal Directors’ roles at the end of 2022.
Professors MacMahon and Norton founded The George Institute in Sydney, Australia in 1999 to address the escalating global burden of non-communicable diseases and injury. Today, the Institute is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading global health research institutes.
Professors Norton and MacMahon said that now is the right time for a change in leadership that will build on and lead the next phase of organisational growth.
“The George Institute has never been in a stronger position – both financially and in the quality and quantity of our research and impact,” said Professor MacMahon. “We believe it is time for the Institute to move on from its founders.”
“It has been a great honour and privilege to have grown and led this institute, from three people in one room with a bold mission, to the global organisation it is today, with more than 1,000 people across four regional offices,” said Professor Norton. “For over 20 years, our researchers have been transforming clinical guidelines, delivering affordable, innovative healthcare solutions, and helping to create healthier societies.”
“I am extremely proud of our achievements, however, much remains to be done. Now it is time for new leadership and new ideas to continue the growth of the Institute and we are both very much committed to supporting the successful transition to a new Principal Director.”
Chairman of The George Institute’s Board, David Armstrong, praised the visionary foresight of Professors Norton and MacMahon in founding the Institute and their leadership over the past two decades.
“Professors Norton and MacMahon have presided over an organisation that has seen extraordinary growth and impact globally,” he said. “The progress the Institute has made in such a short period of time has been nothing short of incredible, and its trailblazing efforts have ensured it is well-positioned for future growth.”
“On behalf of the board and George Institute leadership, we are enormously grateful for their contributions to global health and the legacy they will leave behind at the Institute,” he added.
Professors MacMahon and Norton will stay in their current roles until the end of the year to allow time to identify a successor and support their transition into the role.
“As the Institute embarks on a new chapter, we have no doubt that this phase of its growth will continue to deliver on our mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide,” said Professor MacMahon. “We look forward to welcoming new leadership who will drive the expansion of the Institute into areas of the world with the greatest health needs.”
