Exclusive: Uniting NSW.ACT appoints new CEO
- New CEO: Ben Keneally to lead Uniting NSW.ACT from October.
- Leadership transition: Tracey Burton retires after eight years as CEO.
- Health expertise: Keneally joins from Boston Consulting Group.
- Growth: Uniting is planning 4,100 retirement units and almost 2,000 aged care beds.
Uniting NSW.ACT has named its next Chief Executive Officer following a national search.
The organisation is preparing for the retirement of long-serving CEO Tracey Burton in September.
The organisation today announced healthcare and government executive Ben Keneally will commence as CEO in October, leading one of Australia’s largest faith-based Not For Profit providers into the next phase of its 10-year strategy.
Keneally joins from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he is Asia Pacific Leader of the firm’s Health Care Services practice, advising Governments, health services and providers on major reform initiatives, including primary healthcare policy, system transformation and technology enablement.
BCG has become a notable source of senior leadership talent for the aged care sector. Anglicare CEO Simon Miller and Bolton Clarke Group CEO Olivier Chretien are both former BCG consultants.
Keneally previously served as Chief Executive Officer of National Home Doctor Service, where he built Australia’s only national after-hours medical service, delivering care to more than one million Australians each year.
His career has also included senior leadership roles within the NSW Government, including Executive Director at the NSW Department of Housing and establishing the NSW Premier’s Delivery Unit. He also served as Mayor of the City of Botany Bay between 2012 and 2016.
The standout candidate
Uniting Board Chair Liz Nicol said Keneally’s experience leading change across healthcare, government and the community sector made him the standout candidate.
“Ben has built an exceptional career leading change across healthcare, government and the community sector. He combines strategic thinking with practical leadership and has consistently delivered results in challenging environments," she said.
“Just as importantly, Ben shares Uniting’s belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. He is deeply committed to tackling entrenched disadvantage and understands the unique role organisations like Uniting play in creating stronger, more inclusive communities.
“As we enter the next phase of our 10-year strategy, Ben’s experience leading transformation, building strong partnerships and navigating complex systems will be invaluable. The Board is delighted to welcome him to Uniting.”
Ben said he was inspired by Uniting’s purpose and long history of advocacy.
“Uniting has a remarkable history of standing alongside people through every stage of life while also advocating for the systemic changes needed to build a more just society. I’m excited to join an organisation with such a clear sense of purpose and look forward to working with the Uniting Church and Uniting’s people and partners to create even greater impact.”
Tracey to retire after eight years’ service
The appointment follows Uniting’s announcement in February that Tracey would retire after leading the organisation since 2018.
During her tenure, Tracey oversaw significant growth across Uniting’s aged care, retirement living and community services, guided the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic and led the development of its 10-year strategy.
She also became one of the aged care sector’s most prominent advocates for reform, consistently calling for the unfinished recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care to be implemented and supporting more sustainable funding for the sector, including greater consumer contributions backed by appropriate safeguards.
Ms Nicol thanked Tracey for her leadership and contribution to the organisation.
“Tracey has provided exceptional leadership during a period of considerable change, strengthening Uniting’s services, advocacy and organisational culture while helping shape our ambitious 10-year strategy.
“Her outstanding service has positioned Uniting well for the future, and the Board thanks her for her dedication, vision and lasting contribution. She will be greatly missed.”
Uniting delivers aged care, retirement living, disability, community and social services across New South Wales and the ACT.
The organisation is progressing a significant development pipeline, with plans to deliver almost 2,000 residential aged care beds and more than 4,100 retirement living units over the next 10 years.
