Darren's first day at RSPCA Queensland with adoptable puppy Chloe
Darren Maier has been appointed the new CEO of RSPCA Queensland. He will replace Mark Townend who served as CEO for over nineteen years and saw the charity through its most challenging years since its inception 130 years ago.
Darren Maier comes with a wealth of experience across several sectors and was recently the Chief Operating Officer for Covetrus Global Software Solutions, a division of the second largest animal health business in the world. He was also the Chief Operating Officer of Greencross Vets and the Chairman of the Board of the Animal Referral Hospital that operated 11 Animal Emergency and Specialist Hospitals nationally.
“Darren is a culturally astute, inspirational and empowering leader, bringing considerable expertise that spans animal health, telecommunications, banking, retail and franchising,” said RSPCA Queensland Chair Justine Hickey. “We know that he is passionate about the opportunities that lie ahead and that continuing to improve animal welfare across the state is his number one priority.”
Mr Maier has described himself as being passionate about achieving great outcomes for people and business and bringing a collaborative spirit to delivering the toughest challenges.
"RSPCA Queensland has such a wonderful history of helping animals,” he said. “I am over the moon to have the opportunity to lead the RSPCA Queensland and continue the excellent work already being done by the team, as well as grow the organisation so we can make an even bigger difference not just to the animals, but also to the people whose lives are impacted by animals every day.”
Darren talks a bit about his own pet, "We have a rescue Border Collie called Mollie. She is about 8 years old, chocolate brown and white and it is a real toss up in our house as to which one of us most loves having Molly as part of the family."
Darren has already hit the ground running on day one of his tenure, "I am a massive believer that it is the people that make up any organization and from what I have seen today I think we have some amazing people here at the RSPCA Queensland."
RSPCA Queensland Chair Justine Hickey reflects, “All of us are extremely grateful to Mark Townend for his unwavering commitment to the organisation’s mission, driving strategic and operational excellence during a significant period of growth, challenge and change. We wish Mark every success in his new role in the Not for Profit sector and we’re delighted he will continue to contribute his substantial knowledge and experience to RSPCA Queensland through an ongoing association as an ambassador.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland (RSPCA Qld) is the state’s oldest, largest and leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of all domestic, farmed and native animals throughout Queensland.
It is the leading animal welfare charity in Queensland, currently re-homing more animals than any other organisation in the Southern Hemisphere. As a non-government, community based charity, it is the only charity with the power to prosecute animal cruelty and neglect. It is also the only State RSPCA that treats native wildlife.
Each year over 52,000 animals need assistance from RSPCA Qld.
