Social Ventures Australia (SVA) Chair, Paul Robertson AO, has today announced that, after 10 years’ service, he intends to step down from SVA’s Board, along with further Board changes.

‘For over ten years I have had the privilege of serving as SVA Board Chair and stewarding the organisation on its mission to alleviate disadvantage in Australia. During that decade SVA has grown from small start-up to the established organisation it is today, achieving outsized impact. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved in that time.’

Robertson will officially step down from his role on November 19 at SVA’s Annual General Meeting, and will be replaced by incoming Chair, Rob Koczkar, Managing Director of Adamantem Capital and former SVA CEO.

‘It gives me great pleasure to announce Rob Koczkar as incoming Chair,’ said Robertson.

‘Rob, as a former SVA CEO, is well known for his excellent leadership qualities, his commitment to SVA’s mission and his deep understanding of our operating context. If ever there was that ‘safe pair of hands’, SVA has that in Rob. And while Rob won’t formally step into the role until November, I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of SVA’s Board and staff, to wish him a warm welcome home.’

Robertson also shared news of two further changes to the SVA Board with long-term board member Adrian Appo stepping down this month, while the Board will welcome new member, Adam Davids.

Speaking of Appo’s departure, Robertson thanked him for his thoughtful contribution to SVA over his 8 years on the Board.

‘Adrian has been a part of the SVA family for a long time, as CEO to Ganbina, one of SVA’s first venture partners, and then as a Board member since 2012. His dedication, integrity and unwavering focus on improving the lives of people in our communities has been invaluable to SVA. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.’

In welcoming incoming Board member Adam Davids, Robertson said the Board were pleased to have Davids join them given his strong background in the social sector.

‘We are delighted to have Adam on the SVA Board and look forward to working with him as we pursue SVA’s vision of an Australia where all people and communities can thrive.’

Davids is Director, Learning at CareerTrackers, focusing on supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals. A proud Wiradjuri man and Fulbright Scholar, Davids has previously held board positions at Clovelly Community Bank, CareerSeekers and was co-chair of the Indigenous Advisory Board at GHD.

Lisa Paul AO PSM will also step down from the Board later this year. Click here to read more.