​HammondCare appoints former NSW Premier as new CEO

Mr Baird will be replacing current CEO Dr Stephen Judd, who will be stepping down on August 31 after over 25 years in the role.

Looking forward to his new role, Mr Baird says, “I didn’t have to look much further than their mission [statement] to see that this was a cause I wanted to be a part of, ‘Our passion is improving quality of life for people in need’. 

“On a daily basis, living out the mission for HammondCare are 4,000 staff and 1,000 volunteers. I can think of no greater privilege than to help them care for some of the most vulnerable people across Australia.”

John Kightley, Chair of the HammondCare Board, says Mr Baird’s expertise was ideal for this critical role at the organisation. The search for a new CEO began after Dr Judd announced in July 2019 his intention to stand down.

“I am excited to welcome Mike Baird to HammondCare from September 1 and I am confident his appointment will help ensure the continuing success of HammondCare both in organisational performance and in the relentless pursuit of our mission to improve quality of life for people in need,” says Mr Kightley.

“Alongside Mike’s strong leadership credentials, the other essential criteria for this appointment include a passion to genuinely serve the community and help others, as well as a strong Christian commitment.”

Mr Baird has had an extensive career in State Government, he served in NSW Parliament for more than 10 years as Member for Manly, he was Treasurer of NSW Parliament from 2011 to 2014, and was the 44th Premier of NSW from 2014 to 2017.

In the banking sector, Mr Baird has held multiple executive positions working with NAB, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank. He was most recently Chief Customer Officer – Consumer Banking at NAB in Australia.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree and a Diploma of Christian Students from Regent College, Canada.

Mr Kightley has thanked Dr Judd for his long years of service at HammondCare as well as the health and aged care sectors more broadly.

“Since he became Chief Executive in 1995, HammondCare has grown from serving 250 clients with an annual revenue of $8 million, to caring for more than 25,000 people, with 2018-19 revenue of more than $300 million,” says Mr Kightley.

“As Chair of the HammondCare Board, it has been a privilege to work alongside Stephen for the past 10 years.”

Dr Judd has welcomed the appointment of Mr Baird to the organisation. 

He says HammondCare is actively planning for the future of the business and the change of Chief Executive was essential for promoting the seamless service delivery, cultural continuity and achievement of HammondCare’s mission.

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