R U OK? appoints new CEO

hello • 27 March 2019

The R U OK? board is delighted to announce the appointment of Katherine Newton to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Celebrated for the significant work Newton has delivered as Campaign Director, the Board are confident the next chapter for R U OK? will be a meaningful one under her stewardship.

“Over the last ten years we have watched the growth of a small grassroots charity into one of Australia’s most recognised suicide prevention and mental health promotion campaigns. However, the statistics show that there is still much work to be done.” Said Michael Connaghan, Former WPP AUNZ CEO and R U OK? Chairman.

“Katherine’s solid grasp of community and corporate environments, the early intervention space in which R U OK? operates, and genuine passion for the R U OK? message make her an ideal fit to steer us in to our next phase.”

Newton picks up from Brendan Maher who is moving on after a successful six years of growth for the charity.

“Leading the R U OK? team over the last six years has been an absolute privilege. It has been a humbling experience to connect with Australians from all walks of life, aligned by the genuine belief that a conversation can change a life.” Said Maher.

“Having worked closely with Katherine over the last two and a half years, I am thrilled she has accepted the role and know both the team and the future of R U OK? will thrive under her leadership.”

Newton’s commitment to prevention efforts spans 8 years having trained as a volunteer Lifeline telephone counsellor prior to transitioning to the sector professionally. Newton’s not-for-profit experience also includes a senior leadership role with White Ribbon, working to prevent men’s violence against women.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to accept this opportunity with R U OK?, an organisation which has delivered significant impact in its ten year history.” Said Newton.

“Both Brendan, and our late Founder Gavin Larkin, have grown the organisation in to a thriving and sustainable charity which now sits at an estimated 80 per cent awareness amongst Australians. I look forward to continuing this momentum together with the hardworking R U OK? team, as we look ahead to the next ten years of inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them.”

Newton’s appointment will commence from April 01.

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by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
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