Australian Red Cross is delighted to announce the appointment of Judy Slatyer as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Born and bred in Australia, Judy is an international leader with a distinguished career spanning roles in the Not For Profit, private and government sectors as well as a passion for humanitarian and environmental advocacy.

Since 2008, she has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) International, based in Switzerland … one of the world's largest conservation organisations, with 6,500 staff working in over 100 countries.

Her career also encompasses more than five years as CEO of Lonely Planet Publications based in Melbourne and ten years with Telstra, where her most senior role was Chief of Consumer Sales for Telstra Retail.

Australian Red Cross President Michael Legge said Judy had an outstanding track record and was ideally suited for her challenging new role.

"I am confident her diverse background of experience and perspectives will underpin her success as our CEO" said Mr Legge.

"Last year Red Cross celebrated our Centenary of service in Australia and Judy is the ideal person to lead us as we continue to respond to rapidly changing humanitarian needs in our second century of service to the Australian community and beyond" he said.

Judy will start with Red Cross on Monday 29 February 2016. In the meantime, Australian Red Cross Blood Service CEO Jennifer Williams has kindly agreed to continue in her interim, extended role as CEO of both organisations.

This media release was directly sourced from the Australian Red Cross website here.