Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) has appointed former Qantas General Counsel Andrew Finch to a new role as Chief Operating Officer, as the institute focuses its research activities on current brain health challenges and emerging technologies.
Mr Finch spent 12 years as a Group Executive with Qantas, including leading the legal & IR, secretariat, safety, security, internal audit & risk and business integrity teams, after previously being a partner at legal firm Allens Linklaters.
NeuRA has also appointed Tegan Cox to the newly created position of Chief Research Officer with a focus on implementing the new research strategy, NeuRA Forward 2025 – 2030.
Previously Ms Cox was Chief Operating Officer at the Brain and Mind Centre, where she led the implementation of strategic and operational research plans across the University of Sydney. She has a strong background in clinical research management, health service leadership and management consulting.
NeuRA created the new positions following the announcement by Executive Director of Professional Services, Carole Renouf, that she would be relocating to the United Kingdom for family reasons.
NeuRA CEO and Institute Director, Scientia Professor Matthew Kiernan, AM, welcomed Mr Finch and Ms Cox to the roles.
“Andrew brings a wide range of high-quality expertise and experience to NeuRA,” Prof Kiernan said.
“Andrew is recognised as a skilful and personable leader, trusted and respected by those with whom he works. We are honoured he has chosen NeuRA as the next chapter in his distinguished career and already seeing the benefits of his wide-ranging experience.
“Tegan joins us from the Brain and Mind Centre and brings a range of experiences in leadership in both scientific and commercial settings. That experience will be vital in building on key research initiatives with the support of industry partnerships and our growing focus on diagnostics and clinical trials.”
Carole Renouf’s departure ends a five-year association with NeuRA, and Professor Kiernan paid tribute to her leadership.
“Carole’s influence and impact here at NeuRA has been extensive and we are deeply appreciative of her efforts,” Prof Kiernan said.
“Carole joined NeuRA in 2021 as Fundraising Director and went on to serve as Interim CEO before taking on her most recent role. She committed fully to our people, purpose and values, and has created lasting legacies. We wish Carole all the best for her next chapter.”
Mr Finch and Ms Cox assume their new roles with immediate effect.
