Co-Director steps up into lead role

In the wake of Professor Parr-Brownlie stepping down to accept a position at MBIE, our Co-Director Professor David Baxter has been appointed to step into the top leadership role.

With Ageing Well in its final year, we have sought to maximise retention of one of our best assets – our staff – as best we can. That is why the Chair, Governance Group, and our host organisation University of Otago have endorsed the appointment of current Co-Director Professor David Baxter as the final Director of the Challenge.

Professor Baxter will be stepping into the role in his second tenure as Director, a fitting bookend to his time with the organisation after originally being appointed as the inaugural Director when the Challenge first started in 2014. This streamlined process ensures we do not have any delays or added complexity with finding a new candidate to fill the position for less than one year.

“While we are sorry to be saying goodbye to such an outstanding Director and leader as Louise, I am so very happy to be given the opportunity to continue my role with Ageing Well and look forward to being able to serve our whānau well,” said Professor Baxter.

Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie added, “With Dave stepping up to lead Ageing Well in the final months, the organisation will be in very experienced and capable hands.”

Professor Baxter will also continue to provide leadership within the Graduate Research School at the University of Otago.