Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Fergusson as CEO.
LBC was established in 1977 and has grown substantially to become New Zealand’s leading organisation dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions.
Former CEO, Pru Etcheverry, who was instrumental in growing the organisation, made the decision to leave the organisation earlier this year to pursue other interests. The Board has taken the appointment of finding a new candidate very seriously, making sure that LBC’s values are upheld and the organisation continues to grow and thrive.
LBC’s Chair, Tony Wilding, said that with a vision to cure and a mission to care, LBC is committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related blood conditions. With Peter’s experience of over twenty years as a successful CEO, and with a wealth of experience across the health and disability sectors, most recently as CEO of YMCA Northern, we are confident that he can continue to uphold these values and lead the organisation into future growth.
Previously a CEO of Independent Living Services, Franchise Association of New Zealand, New Zealand Squash and Northland Rugby RFU, Peter brings strong commercial skills to the organisation.
Peter plans to utilise these skills as well as those he has developed from many years of governance, especially that as Chair of the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, which he has a personal connection to.
“While this differs from the challenges specific to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer – the impact on individuals and families, the need for sound research, advocacy, individual and family support, creative funding channels, resilience, health, business and government networks and the need for factual information – is ‘all too’ familiar and very transferable,” said Fergusson.
Peter also plans to draw on his experience and networks developed as Director of the New Zealand Recreation Association and as part of the Advisory Panel for Sport and Exercise Science at Auckland University of Technology.
“I know that Pru has left LBC in excellent shape and am looking forward to the opportunity to lead a highly functioning organisation through to its next stage of evolution,” said Fergusson.
Peter commences in the position on the 14th of May and will be looking forward to getting started in the role.