Chief Executive Officer

The organisation

One of the largest independent, community-based animal charities across the globe, RSPCA Australia aims to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. Working with both the government and member societies, RSPCA Australia offers animal rehoming shelters, investigates animal cruelty complaints, provides community education programmes and cares for injured wildlife in each state.   It is an iconic institution that has been serving the people and animals of Australia and beyond for more than 150 years.

The brief

In March 2019 the Board of RSPCA Australia engaged Brooker Consulting to undertake a comprehensive executive search to support the organisation to their next Chief Executive Officer who could drive animal welfare through their strategic leadership skills and promote high level policy with the organisation’s external stakeholders.

The process

Brooker Consulting undertook a comprehensive executive search campaign, combined with print media, to identify and present the very best available candidates for consideration. After a rigorous assessment process, RSPCA Australia opted to interview 5 of the candidates presented for shortlisting purposes.

The outcome

After a successful search, Richard Mussell was appointed in September 2019. Richard has been a leader in the animal welfare industry for a number of years. During this time, Richard was the CEO of the Animal Welfare League of SA in addition to holding a number of Board positions including the Animal Welfare League Australia and the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia.