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Latest appointments

Julian McGrath May 13, 2015

2 min read

Owen Finegan: The Kids’ Cancer Project’s new CEO

The Kids’ Cancer Project has appointed Owen Finegan as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Peter Neilson who is to now head up Strategy and Partnerships.

Finegan is a former Wallabies and Brumbies play and has spent the last four years as CEO of Snowy Hydro Southcare. He also has a personal connection with the charity’s cause, having lost his father to cancer.

Ken Moroney, Chair of The Kids’ Cancer Project, said that the organisation is thrilled about the appointment. “We have set ourselves a target to raise $20 million by 2020 to meet the increasing demand for research funding into childhood cancer.

“Owen is well positioned to drive this ambition and expand the opportunities in the community to put childhood cancer on the national agenda.”

New Head of Corporate Partnerships at McGrath Foundation

Ben Hirschfeld is joining the McGrath Foundation as Head of Corporate Partnerships, a newly created role.

Hirschfeld has extensive experience with commercial partnerships and sponsorships. He established Generate Australia, a consultancy service provider for brands, and prior to that worked at Football Federation Australia in a commercial partnership role.

“Ben’s appointment is a strategic step in the evolution of the Foundation as we look to diversify our fundraising streams and move into a new phase of growth,” said McGrath Foundation CEO, Petra Buchanan.

“Ben’s extensive experience will add value to our current corporate partnership portfolio while also driving new partnerships to help us achieve our mission. We are thrilled to welcome him to the senior team.”

Peppa Pig teams up with Cancer Council

Children’s television favourite Peppa Pig is the Cancer Council’s latest ambassador and will raise awareness about sun protection and healthy living. The partnership has been negotiated through the brand’s licensor and distributor, Entertainment One.

Catherine Sullivan, Acting CEO of Cancer Council Australia, said that the world’s most famous pig is a welcome addition to Cancer Council’s team of ambassadors.

“Peppa Pig has a major influence on young children who watch the program. We are really excited that Peppa has agreed to be our latest ambassador and we hope a new generation of Australians will learn about sun safety, healthy living and the importance of being active.”

A range of Peppa Pig sunscreens have already been launched in Australian supermarkets and are proving popular.