The Susan McKinnon Foundation (SMF) has appointed former NSW Premier Mike Baird AO as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer and former marketer, Best & Less CEO and experience board director, Holly Kramer, as Chair.

Baird's role will focus on scaling the Foundation's activities in improving Australia's public administration, supporting effective political leadership, and strengthening the nation's democratic institutions.

"It's no secret I'm passionate about the role governments and MPs can play in driving positive change. The Susan McKinnon Foundation offers a wholly unique opportunity to contribute more widely to the future of political leadership and democracy in Australia," said Baird.

"We are thrilled to announce Mike as our inaugural CEO. His reputation as a centrist, can-do leader who has been highly successful in politics and business, makes him the perfect person to lead our organisation," said Grant Rule, one of the founders of SMF.

Kramer's background includes being the CEO of apparel retailer Best & Less, and an executive at Pacific Brands and Telstra. She's more recently been serving on the boards of Woolworths, Fonterra Co-operative, and ANZ, has been

"Holly brings a wealth of executive and non-executive experience from ASX 20 listed companies and will play a pivotal role in the development of a high-performing, impact focused organisation as we scale. We are very lucky to have her leading our board," said Sophie Oh, another founder of SMF.

"The Susan McKinnon Foundation's work is vital in promoting effective political leadership and democratic processes," said Kramer.

The SMF was founded by Grant Rule and Sophie Oh. Rule built Australia's largest SMS technology business, which was sold for $1.7 billion in 2021. The majority of this wealth was committed to the Susan McKinnon Foundation. The Foundation's major initiatives include The McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, and funding the establishment of the e61 economic research institute.

The SMF board also includes Professor Peter Shergold, Hon. John Thwaites, and Sir Bill English. The SMF is dedicated to strengthening Australia's democracy and enhancing public administration. Their goal is for Australian governments to be more effective, transparent, and accountable.