Per Capita is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Wesa Chau as its new Executive Director, who has commenced in her role this week.
Wesa joins Per Capita at a time of strong momentum, as the organisation stands ready to embrace new opportunities for expansion and progress. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding the think tank’s next phase in our mission to fight inequality, building on our influential policy programs in tax justice, equitable housing and the care economy.
A respected leader with over two decades of experience across not-for-profit, university and government sectors, Wesa has dedicated her career to advancing progressive policy and system-level reform based on fairness, shared prosperity, community and social justice. Her work has spanned policy areas relating to gender, climate, disability, education, social innovation and aged care.
Wesa has most recently served as Managing Director at the Multicultural Leadership Initiative and currently sits on the Advisory Board for the National Foundation of Australia-China Relations and the Victorian Government Anti-Racism Taskforce. Her bold, values-driven approach to leadership, and a deep understanding of the Australian policy landscape make her the right person to lead the organisation into its next chapter. She has previously been recognised as one of the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians and as Young Victorian of the Year.
“Per Capita has long been a champion of fairness, shared prosperity and social justice through rigorous research and policy development. I am excited to continue this important work and ensure that the voices of Australians of all backgrounds are reflected in the decisions that shape our economy and society. I look forward to working with the board, staff and stakeholders,”
said Dr Wesa Chau, Executive Director of Per Capita.
In welcoming Wesa, David Hetherington, Per Capita’s Board Chair, expressed confidence in her ability to shape the Australian policy debate, stating:
“Per Capita is thrilled to welcome Dr Wesa Chau as our new Executive Director. Her leadership will be instrumental in increasing Per Capita’s impact – building on our strong history of influencing public policy across Australia. Per Capita is looking forward to the fresh perspective and energy Wesa will bring to our work.”
Per Capita’s Board also wishes to thank Sarah McKenzie, who has served as acting Executive Director in recent months, for the leadership, professionalism and care she has brought during this period. Sarah will return to her substantive role as Per Capita’s Director of Policy and Research.