New board appointment

Australian Philanthropic Services (APS), Australia’s leading provider of philanthropic services, has appointed Graeme McKenzie to its Board of Directors, effective 1 November 2024. Graeme succeeds David Gonski AC, who is retiring from the board but will continue as an APS Patron and Member.

APS founder and Chairman, Chris Cuffe welcomed Graeme to the board, stating, “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:

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.

Published 5 November 2024