UnLtd CEO Chris Freel set to depart; New Board Directors appointed to define ‘Chapter 2’

UnLtd, the social impact organisation of the media, marketing and advertising sector today announced that CEO Chris Freel (pictured above) will be leaving the organisation in February 2024 having led UnLtd since 2017. UnLtd has also announced further key personnel changes as the organisation plans for its next chapter of growth and innovation in support of at-risk young people.

Says Freel: “It is such a difficult decision to step away from the best job I have ever had. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to fulfil this role and have loved every minute of it. However, it feels like the right time for me to take on a new challenge and hand over to somebody who can lead UnLtd through its next chapter. I’m proud of the work that the industry has done through UnLtd and leave the organisation in a great place continuing to support young lives. UnLtd has an incredible team and board, and I am thankful to all that have supported me personally, and UnLtd, over the past six years.

“I would like to thank our founder Kerry McCabe, co-chairs Rebecca Darley and Adam Furness and the current directors for their support throughout the last few years, and for giving me this chance. It’s been an honour to build and work with the incredibly talented, passionate and driven team at UnLtd and I know the organisation is in great hands with such a strong team in place. UnLtd will always be in my blood, and I will continue to support however I can.”

Says Kerry McCabe: “Chris joined UnLtd at a pivotal time where growth had started to plateau. His energy, commercial nous and rare ability to relate to people at all levels across the industry has resulted in unprecedented growth, enabling many more young people to benefit from UnLtd’s services. UnLtd is now an unstoppable industry movement and Chris leaves the organisation primed to evolve further.

“We’d also like to acknowledge Rebecca and Adam for their service as co-chairs over the past year, and for their selfless and tireless contributions to UnLtd over a combined 30 years. Our structure, governance and processes have matured in readiness to define UnLtd’s future ambition on behalf of the industry it serves.”

In addition to its current directors, UnLtd also confirms today the appointment of five new board directors to define the future strategy and growth of UnLtd’s products and programs. This work, ‘Project Chapter 2’, commences in January 2024 and will enable the industry to further its mission of ensuring that every young Australian and New Zealander has hope and belief for a bright future.

(Pictured: UnLtd board – Kerry McCabe, Rebecca Darley, Adam Furness, Karen Halligan, Venessa Hunt, Paul Sigaloff, Ellie Rogers, Mark Coad, Kristiaan Kroon, Maree Teesson, Justin Graham, Tony Faure)

Says Rebecca Darley, co-chair: “Having run an extensive process we’re thrilled to welcome Mark Coad (CEO, IPG), Professor Maree Teesson (University of Sydney), Justin Graham (CEO M&C Saatchi APAC), Tony Faure (chair oOh! Media, Lawpath and ReadyTech) and Kristiaan Kroon (chief investment officer, OMG). They bring fresh perspectives, varied backgrounds and powerful networks to support our industry and UnLtd on this mission.

“Chris and his team have created such a successful and strong base from which our industry can do what it does best; create solutions and influence hearts, minds and wallets. We welcome our new Board Directors and look forward to bringing a new CEO into the most impactful and meaningful leadership role in our industry.”

Applications for the CEO role will open in January.

For any enquiries, please contact UnLtd CMO Nina Nyman at nina@unltd.org.au