Tuesday 23rd September

SPCA Auckland Strengthens Senior Management Structure

-----------

One of New Zealand's longest-established and most respected charities is enhancing its senior management structure, to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

SPCA Auckland's Chief Executive Officer, Bob Kerridge, is to take on the newly-created role of Executive Director, with the tasks of fighting animal cruelty, acting as the Society's chief spokesperson and advocating and campaigning on behalf of animals.

A new CEO is being sought to assume the day-to-day management of the Society and introduce new approaches required for an increasingly competitive charity sector. SPCA Auckland is announcing its management changes just ahead of its 125th anniversary celebrations in October.

"We are delighted that Bob has agreed to take on this important new challenge. It will mean that he can focus his unique skills, talents and experience on behalf of animals, without the daily distractions of also running a large and complex organisation," says SPCA Auckland's Chairman, David Frost

"Bob has provided inspirational leadership to the Society for 25 of our 125 years of service to the community. It's very gratifying to know that he will be continuing to play a significant role in our organisation and will also be actively passing on his wisdom and experience to a new generation of SPCA staff and supporters.

"It will require a visionary and transformative CEO to truly follow in Bob's footsteps and to provide the Society with a clear strategic direction appropriate to today's conditions," Mr Frost adds.

Key tasks for the new CEO will include boosting funding from non-legacy sources, increasing animal adoptions and extending the Society's animal services more fully to the outer limits of the greater Auckland region.

It is anticipated that the appointee will have a successful track record in management at a senior level in an organisation, either in the charity, public or commercial sectors.

In addition to his new role, Bob Kerridge will continue to participate in the formulation of policy as an active member of SPCA Auckland's Board.

He will also remain a persuasive champion of animals through his role as Chairman of the New Zealand Companion Animal Council (NZCAC), his membership of the Royal New Zealand SPCA's National Council and his directorship of the World Society for the Protection of Animals in New Zealand (WSPA).

"I'm very excited by the prospect of being able to dedicate more of my time to animal welfare issues and to campaigning for the animals, in the knowledge that the future direction of the Auckland SPCA will be enhanced through the appointment of a new CEO," he says.

"There is much work to be undertaken in fighting animal cruelty in an increasingly cruel environment, with many issues requiring urgent attention. It's also important for me to keep on communicating the ways in which animals can enrich our lives and accordingly help us all to achieve a more compassionate community.

"The really good news is that there are many younger people who are passionate about animal welfare and want to work with and for animals. I am looking forward to mentoring them in their roles and to 'passing on the torch' to the next generation", says Mr Kerridge.

Founded in 1881, SPCA Auckland is the largest SPCA organisation in New Zealand, employing 76 staff who are located at the Animal Village in Mangere.

During 2007, the Society received income of $ 5.5 million, $ 3.5 million of which came from legacies and donations, whilst the remainder came from business activities. SPCA Auckland receives no regular government funding.

ENDS

© Scoop Media