CPA Australia to welcome Chris Freeland AM as new CEO
CPA Australia is delighted to announce that Chris Freeland AM has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of CPA Australia. He will commence in this role from 18 March 2024.
Mr Freeland is a highly experienced CEO who brings with him a wealth of experience in the professional services and legal sectors.
Mr Freeland takes over the reins from outgoing CEO Andrew Hunter, who announced his intention to pursue new career opportunities in Europe in July this year. Mr Hunter will have served six years as CEO when he leaves the organisation.
Mr Freeland said: "It’s a great privilege to be appointed as CEO of CPA Australia, an organisation which, for nearly 140 years, has played a pivotal role in the profession in Australia and beyond.
“I’m very much looking forward to leading the team at CPA Australia to support the organisation’s 172,000 members in Australia, and globally, to achieve their unique aspirations and to thrive professionally.
“CPA Australia has an increasingly important role, particularly at this time, to help represent the accounting profession and those connected to it, and to reinforce its broad and significant contribution to society.”
Mr Freeland is an expert in corporate change and transformation, with significant community engagement experience in the non-profit sector, most notably in arts, social welfare and education.
He has enjoyed a distinguished career in the legal sector, including roles spanning the Asian-Pacific region.
John Curtin Distinguished Professor, Dale Pinto FCPA, who was elected as President and Chair of CPA Australia in October 2023, said: “With a proven track record of strategic leadership and growth, and a wealth of experience in global professional services, Chris is poised to steer our organisation towards new heights.
"Chris is a highly experienced CEO who brings a wealth of global expertise and fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of CPA Australia. He has held executive leadership roles at major law and consulting firms in Australia and internationally and he joins us from Baker McKenzie where he has served as Managing Partner (CEO) of Australia and their Asia Pacific Managing Director.
"Chris will be working with our outgoing CEO, Andrew, on a seamless transition plan. Along with the Board, I am confident in his ability to lead and inspire our people and drive innovation and customer centricity for our members.
“Chris embraces a values-based approach, which aligns with our CPA Australia values, and I look forward to the bright future that lies ahead under his capable leadership.”
Media contact
Simon Downes
External Affairs Lead. CPA Australia
[email protected]
+61 401 461 503