Lisa George

Australian Philanthropic Services (APS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa George as its next chief executive officer. Ms George will commence with APS early in the new year, succeeding current CEO Judith Fiander, who will retire in February 2027.

“Lisa brings exceptional leadership experience across financial services, philanthropy and purpose-led organisations. She has a strong track record of leading growth, building high-performing teams and delivering meaningful outcomes for stakeholders”, said APS Chair, Jan Swinhoe.

“Australia is experiencing one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in its history, creating significant opportunities to grow philanthropy. Lisa’s combination of commercial acumen, strategic insight and passion for purpose makes her the right leader to guide APS through its next phase of growth.”

Ms George said she was honoured to join APS at such an important time for philanthropy in Australia.

“APS has built an outstanding reputation as a trusted partner for generous Australians, their advisers and the charitable sector. I look forward to building on that foundation and working with the team to expand APS’s impact in the years ahead.”

Ms Swinhoe thanked Ms Fiander for her significant contribution to APS and the broader philanthropic sector.

“Judith has played a pivotal role in APS’s growth and development and has positioned the organisation strongly for the future.”

“She has led APS with integrity, purpose and a deep commitment to helping Australians give more effectively. On behalf of the Board, I thank Judith for her exceptional contribution and the lasting impact she has had on our clients, people and the communities we serve.”

Ms Fiander said she was proud of APS’s achievements during her tenure, including supporting clients to distribute a record $250 million to charity in FY2026. APS now supports more than 1,200 clients who have committed over $3.1 billion to the community.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues, clients and partners. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and seeing APS continue to grow under Lisa’s leadership.”

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APS founder and chairman, Chris Cuffe, welcomed Graeme to the board, saying, “Graeme’s enthusiasm for philanthropy and his extensive 41 years of experience with Ernst & Young (the last 28 years of which has been as a partner) specialising in financial services across wealth and asset management, superannuation, and life insurance will be invaluable as we continue to grow APS. We are thrilled to have him join our board.”

Graeme served as the chief operating officer for Asia-Pacific Financial Services at EY and was a key member of the EY Asia-Pacific FSO Leadership team, overseeing the financial and operational aspects of the organisation. He is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusiveness and through EY has provided pro bono auditing services to various charities over time.

“I have been engaged in philanthropy and with APS for many years,” Graeme said. “Structured giving is one of the most effective ways to grow philanthropy in Australia and generate much-needed funds for our community.”

Chris also expressed gratitude to retiring board member David Gonski AC for his significant contributions over the past 12 years as a non-executive director and for his contribution to the sector. As chair of the Prime Minister’s Community-Business Partnership’s Taxation Working Group, David was a pioneer of structured giving and key architect of private ancillary funds.

“David’s distinguished reputation, visionary contribution and steadfast commitment to philanthropy, have been tremendous assets to the APS board since August 2012,” Chris said. “His dedication to advocacy and commitment to developing the sector have played a crucial role in both the growth of APS as well as philanthropy in Australia overall. We are grateful for his long service and generous support and are pleased that he will remain closely connected to APS through becoming a Patron of APS and one of only four Members.”

Graeme joins existing Directors on the APS board:

• Chris Cuffe AO
• Belinda Hutchinson AC
• Gail Kelly
• Dan Phillips
• Jan Swinhoe
• Michael Traill AM
• John McMurdo
• David Ward

APS saw the establishment of 137 new giving funds in the APS Foundation and established over a third of all private ancillary funds created in Australia in the year to 30 June 2024, cementing its position as Australia’s leader in structured giving services.

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