Marketing Guru to Head Up FIA

The Fundraising Institute Australia has appointed marketing expert, Rob Edwards as the peak membership body’s new chief executive officer.

New FIA CEO Rob Edwards.

Chairman Leo Orland made the announcement saying it was an exciting appointment for the FIA.

Rob Edwards has had 18 years at the helm of the Australian Direct Marketing Association – a major membership-based organisation.

Orland says Edwards brings an incredible amount of experience, not only in running a membership organisation, but also in the areas of board governance, government relations, marketing, links with other professional organisations and membership development.

Orland says Edwards’s primary task will be to work with the Board to drive a reform agenda to enhance the FIA’s engagement with its members, volunteers and other stakeholders, including government and business.

He says his time with the Direct marketing Association has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to ensure the FIA embraces its members and volunteers.

Rob Edwards says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead in his new role.

He says this is the first time this sector has faced a national overhaul of industry-specific legislation, and the FIA needs to be at the forefront of bedding down any changes.

Edwards says he was “no stranger” to the FIA.

At ADMA, he liaised closely with FIA on several regulatory issues over the years and has also been directly involved in the Not for Profit sector as general manager of marketing at the MS Society of NSW.

His predecessor, Chris McMillan resigned at the end of July as CEO of the Fundraising Institute Australia after two years in the role.

Orland says the FIA Board wishes to thank Chris for her considerable contribution to the FIA, particularly during the time of financial difficulty when she was instrumental in putting the FIA on a sound financial footing.

Edwards will take up his position as FIA CEO on September 26.