Arthritis Australia announces CEO transition

MEDIA RELEASE
FRIDAY 1 AUGUST 2025The Board of Arthritis Australia has announced that after 5 years leading Arthritis Australia, Jonathan Smithers is departing the organisation for a new opportunity. Louise Hardy has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer.

Chair of the Board, Kaylene Hubbard, said “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of Jonathan’s tenure, in policy and advocacy, research and consumer support in a changing world. The organisation has moved forward and become yet more established as the peak body for many millions of Australians with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

“I speak for the whole board when I say we are looking forward to working with Louise who, for the last four years, has made an outstanding contribution as Director of Policy and Advocacy at Arthritis Australia, and has contributed more broadly to the work of our organisation including our research strategy, funding and stakeholder relations.”
“The organisation is now making great progress in implementing many initiatives and projects flowing from the Board strategy to 2029. The track record which Louise brings both from our work with us over the last four years and previously as General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians will be invaluable in our continued mission to serve arthritis and musculoskeletal consumers across Australia.”

Outgoing CEO Jonathan Smithers said ‘It has been a privilege working with the Board of Arthritis Australia. Together with colleagues we have achieved a great deal, working with a very wide variety of stakeholders from government, industry and other consumer groups towards our ultimate goal of freedom from arthritis. The organisation is in safe hands with Louise at the helm.”

Interim CEO Louise Hardy said, “I am really looking forward to working with the Arthritis Australia board, team and our state and territory affiliates in this new capacity, continuing to build on the strong foundations and many achievements of our 75 year history. With over 7 million Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, there is so much more still to do, in increasing community understanding, advocating for more affordable access to care, research funding that reflects the true cost and impact of these conditions, and support for vital community programs.”

About Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Australia is the peak national body for arthritis, advocating on behalf of over 7 million Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, and working with affiliated arthritis organisations to deliver information and support. We are a leading non-government funder of arthritis research in Australia and advocate for policies, programs and funding initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of people living with arthritis.

Visit: arthritisaustralia.com.au