Chair, Board of Directors

A world in which no person is needlessly blind or vision impaired.

We are determined to deliver Fred Hollows’ vision of preventing blindness and restoring sight.

Our priority is to work with communities to improve their own eye health. We do this through life-changing surgeries and treatments, training doctors and health workers, generating new ideas, and pushing for change at all levels – from local to global. The Foundation works in more than 25 developing in East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

The Fred Hollows Foundation (“The Foundation”) established the Fred Hollows Foundation (Hong Kong) over a decade ago, and together with other international organisations in the United Kingdom, Kenya and the United States of America, the international organisations form a global network to support the work of The Foundation. The Foundation’s latest Annual Report is available here and the Global Strategy 2024-2028 is available here.

The Chair leads The Fred Hollows Foundation (Hong Kong) (FHF (HK)) Board of Directors to achieve its aim: ending avoidable blindness and restoring sight to those in need.

Within the global Fred Hollows Foundation network, FHF HK plays a primary role in mobilising resources (as a ‘market entity’) to support sight-restoring work in low- and middle-income countries.

By 2030, FHF HK aspires to be The Foundation’s trusted catalyst of resourcing for the Greater China Region, unlocking resources, partnerships and influence to scale eye health equity across Asia. FHF HK will do this by serving as The Foundation’s regional philanthropy hub in Greater China, mobilising capital (donations, institutional philanthropy and investment), partnerships and influence across Hong Kong and Macau to scale eye health impact.

The Chair plays a critical role in ensuring effective governance leadership, strong strategic oversight, and alignment with The Foundation’s vision of a world in which no one is needlessly blind. The Chair also leverages their networks to unlock access to prospective significant supporters and facilitates engagement with priority stakeholders and events that would not otherwise be accessible to FHF HK.

With the term of the current Chair concluding at the end of November 2026, it is suggested that a new Chair be appointed in the lead up to the expiry of the current Chair’s term.

The Chair of the Board of The Fred Hollows Foundation (Hong Kong) is appointed by the Board of Directors, with Directors approved by the Global Board of the sole member (The Foundation).

The Chair serves for two three-year terms. Directors may serve a maximum of nine consecutive years. The powers of Directors, the Board and its Chair are set out in the Articles of Association and the Corporate Governance Charter.

The Chair is expected to:

1. Ensure, in partnership with the Board, that FHF HK’s strategy is aligned with The Foundation’s Vision and Strategy, and that goals are achieved with integrity.

2. Promote the values and goals of The Foundation in all aspects of governance and engagement with members, employees, partners, governments and communities.

3. Perform duties in alignment with The Foundation’s Charter, the Articles of Association and relevant law, ensuring FHF HK operates in an ethically, environmentally and socially responsible manner.

4. Lead the Board with tact and diplomacy, promoting a culture of integrity, respect, transparency, collaboration, resourcefulness and compliance.

5. Chair Board meetings to ensure they are effective, efficient, and support high-quality, ethical decision-making.

6. Commit sufficient time to the role, including representing FHF HK at donor, corporate, government and community engagements, and providing access to professional and philanthropic networks.

7. Build a productive working relationship with management, including the Head of Market Hong Kong and Macau and relevant Global teams, including setting Board agendas.

8. Engage with The Foundation’s initiatives to evolve global governance frameworks.

1. Demonstrated experience to Chair the Board.

2. Demonstrated ability to implement and oversee governance, integrity and compliance processes at a board level.

3. Demonstrated ability to lead and implement change.

4. Demonstrated ability to develop substantial philanthropic, business or corporate fundraising networks and relationships on behalf of The Foundation and take part in high level meetings.

1. Demonstrated experience negotiating and partnering with not-for-profits, corporations, governments, multi-lateral and other non-government agencies in pursuit of The Foundation’s goals and interests.

2. Understanding of how a brand is perceived in the market and execution of brand management

3. Experience working with an international health and development organisation.

4. Demonstrated understanding of working with developing countries and human rights.

5. An established public profile known for credible authentic leadership with access to high level decision makers in government and industry

1. Strategic leadership and organisational stewardship.

2. Governance, financial and risk oversight expertise.

3. Effective board leadership and facilitation.

4. Political acumen, influence and relational leadership.

5. Sharp analysis and sound judgment in complex and ambiguous environments.

6. Diplomacy, negotiation and partnership capability.

7. Ability to operate across diverse cultures and contexts.

Relevant qualifications in leadership and Company Directors Course and MBA or Bachelor of Commerce/Economics/Business Management/Political Science/Law degree or equivalent.

1. Strong commitment to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s vision and values.

2. Hong Kong residency preferred; experience in international or cross-cultural organisations desirable.

3. Mandarin language proficiency preferred but not essential.

The Chair will be required to undertake training and sign up to the standards set for conduct by The Foundation, the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australian NGO Co-operation Program and the Australian Council for International Development. This includes child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Domestic and International travel may be required as part of this role.

· Up to four Board meetings per year (two hours).

· Up to one budget briefing per year (1-2 hours).

· Up to two International Organisation meetings per year (1-2 hours).

· Ongoing agenda setting and governance preparation.

· Regular stakeholder engagement, including donor, partner and advocacy events.

Appointed for an initial term of three years, renewable once by mutual agreement between FHF HK and The Foundation for a maximum term of 6 years.

Board Director roles for The Foundation are voluntary (unpaid). The role offers the opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to a globally recognised organisation, shaping the growth of the Hong Kong market and enabling eye health programs that restore sight and transform lives and communities globally.