Former Virgin Australia Velocity marketing head lands new CMO role
Child poverty charity Compassion Australia has appointed veteran airline marketer Steve Baird as its CMO.
Baird has previously served as head of marketing for Virgin Australia’s Velocity program and in various senior marketing roles with Qantas.
At Virgin, he led successful brand and marketing strategies that contributed to significant membership growth from 3.5 to 10 million Velocity members over five years.
Most recently, he was CEO of International Justice Mission Australia, raising the profile of the anti-slavery organisation and developing a three-year strategy that generated new financial resources, with donations doubling over the period.
Baird said he is humbled to be taking up this opportunity with Compassion Australia.
“I have engaged with Compassion as a supporter, in the NGO community and on the program front lines, and in all instances have been struck by the spirit of collaboration, commitment to excellence, fidelity to the Christian faith and devotion to the vulnerable,” he said.
“It is a rare and exciting opportunity to be taking stewardship of such a trusted brand, to help create lasting impact for the children we serve.”
He joins the organisation at a pivotal time of growth and geographic expansion as Compassion enters new partnerships in Australia and scales its operations across Asia.
CEO Clare Steele welcomed Baird to his new role.
“We are delighted to welcome Steve to our team. His integrity, passion and deep commitment to the vulnerable and marginalised align perfectly with our values,” she said.
“As we expand our reach and explore new opportunities, I am confident that Steve will bring significant strength to our mission of releasing more children from poverty across the globe.”
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