Social Ventures Australia today announced a search for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Current CEO Rob Koczkar will be stepping down after 4 years of leading SVA through a period of significant change and growth.
Previously an SVA Board member, Mr Koczkar joined as CEO in October 2014, taking over from Michael Traill AM who served as founding CEO for 12 years. Mr Koczkar’s leadership has seen SVA grow to a team of more than 100 passionate professionals committed to building an Australia where all people and communities thrive.
As CEO, Mr Koczkar has overseen major initiatives for SVA, including the launch of the SVA Fundamentals for Impact, and the incubation and growth of venture partnerships like Evidence for Learning, the Industry Employment Initiative, Bright Spots Schools Connection and First Australians Capital. SVA Consulting has also broadened its reach and impact, deepening it’s work with government clients on sector-wide reform projects and working with leading social purpose organisations like House with No Steps and the Tipping Foundation on their recent merger.
Mr Koczkar has also overseen significant growth in SVA’s impact investing work, including the launch of the Diversified Impact Fund and three new social impact bonds. Funds under management have grown from $16m when he joined as CEO, to over $115m today. This includes commitments totalling $70m from superannuation fund HESTA, signalling a major shift in the way institutional investors view impact investing.
The past four years has also seen SVA develop its policy and advocacy capability, recognising the unique potential for impact that comes through influencing government. This work has included the development of policy perspectives in the areas of education, employment, social and affordable housing and Reconciliation; as well as strategic campaigns on evidence in education, outcomes contracting, housing finance and Working on Country.
On behalf of the Board, SVA Chair Paul Robertson thanked Mr Koczkar for his outstanding service and substantial contribution.
‘Rob has been an invaluable asset to SVA, helping to embed a sustainable and impactful organisational model that has set SVA up for the future. He has led the organisation through a period of significant change and growth and we are very confident SVA is now poised to influence even greater impact because of the work Rob has done.’
‘Rob brought a unique set of skills to his role as CEO and challenged the Board, team, and SVA’s stakeholders about the role SVA could play in the ecosystem. He will be a hard act to follow.’
Mr Koczkar said it had been an honour and privilege to lead the SVA team over the past four years.
‘I am proud to have played a part in the positive social impact SVA is creating, and in shaping the future direction for the organisation. I’ve been humbled by the deep passion and expertise of everyone at SVA and I understand more than ever the incredible change that can be created through strategic and coordinated collaboration across sectors.’
‘As I look to SVA’s future, I feel very strongly that there is an opportunity for SVA to play an increasing role in collaborative efforts that drive change at a systems level, so that Australia becomes a place where all people and communities thrive. I hope to stay involved in whatever way I can be most useful’.
Korn Ferry will be conducting an executive search to identify the incoming CEO. Interested candidates should contact Carolyn Soddy from Korn Ferry on 02 9006 3468. Mr Koczkar will remain in the role until a replacement commences.
For media enquiries contact Tambelin Boykin on tboykin@socialventures.com.au or 0487 174 684.
