The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Tassie as Chief Executive Officer, commencing 3 February 2025.
Mr Tassie will succeed Kerry Doyle PSM OAM, who will retire after a 30-year career in health and public service including five years as ACvA CEO.
ACvA President Jason Kovacic said Mr Tassie is the right person to continue the organisation’s important work. “He’s a brilliant communicator, a person of integrity and someone who fully embraces the collaborative vision of the ACvA.”
“Rob brings 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry having held governance and executive roles across operational, strategic, and policy domains. He has extensive expertise in healthcare policy development and negotiations, with a proven track record of navigating complex environments,” Professor Kovacic said.
Mr Tassie joins ACvA from Wesfarmers Health where he was General Manager Digital and Health Innovation. He also spent 16 years at Australian Pharmaceutical Industries. He has held previous roles with Affinity Health and the Mayne Group as well as Board positions with the National Pharmaceutical Services Association and SiSU Health Group.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Tassie shared, “I am truly honoured to step into the role of CEO for the ACvA. It’s a privilege to join an organisation that plays such a crucial role in improving the health of Australians. I am also deeply grateful to Kerry for her exceptional leadership as CEO, which has been instrumental in establishing ACvA’s important position within the sector.”
He continued, “One in five deaths in Australia are caused by cardiovascular disease, which also represents the largest healthcare cost. The impact we make, even through small improvements, is substantial – underscoring why the cardiovascular and stroke research sector is so vital.”
“Advancing the next phase of ACvA’s strategy will be our focus, demonstrating the tangible value cardiovascular and stroke research brings to everyday health. I look forward to working with our members and continuing our collaboration with government, health, and industry partners to address the unmet needs in cardiovascular health,” Mr. Tassie said.
President Professor Kovacic thanked Ms Doyle PSM OAM for her service to ACvA.
“Kerry has done an outstanding job as CEO of ACvA,” Professor Kovacic said. “She has been a champion for medical research and cardiovascular health in particular throughout her career and ACvA has benefited enormously from her dedication, passion and experience in the sector.”
“She leaves a remarkable legacy, and we are incredibly grateful for her tireless contributions and unwavering commitment to ACvA over the past five years. Under her leadership, ACvA secured significant Commonwealth funding and evolved into an internationally recognised organisation, reshaping the landscape of cardiovascular research in Australia.”
Ms Doyle PSM OAM welcomed the appointment of Mr Tassie as her successor.
“Rob will be an excellent CEO. As a natural leader, he brings a wealth of experience and a strong network from his diverse roles, all of which align with ACvA’s strategies and direction,” Ms Doyle PSM OAM said.