Mike Wilson, 34, is an economist and scientist with 10 years' experience in management consulting and the not-for-profit industry.

JDRF invests around $130 million in diabetes research globally each year. In addition to the research funded solely by JDRF, the organization also supports a $63 million research program in partnership with the NHMRC and federal government. JDRF, which receives no federal funding, stages well known fundraising events including the Walk To Cure Diabetes, Jelly Baby Month and The Ride To Cure Diabetes, to raise money to continue this vital research.

JDRF Chairman Mr Stephen Higgs said "I am delighted to welcome Mike Wilson as our new CEO. Mike brings with him a wealth of expertise at a critical time in the organisation's search for a cure for type 1 diabetes; the move from laboratory research to clinical trials."

Mike most recently worked at The Smith Family. During his five year association with the charity, Mike was the National Manager of Corporate Partnerships. Prior to joining The Smith Family, Mike worked for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) as a Manager in the Australian Strategy Practice.

Mike has an Honours degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Science from the Australian National University. He has been a guest lecturer in Corporate Citizenship at The University of Sydney and guest speaker at industry conferences and seminars.

"I am very excited at the prospect of leading JDRF as it further develops the most significant diabetes research portfolio in Australia," said Mike. "I look forward to working with our great national team, our corporate and community partners, volunteers and government to accelerate the exceptional research underway here in Australia."

Mike's appointment follows the resignation of Sheila Royles, who was CEO of JDRF since September 2001

For further information:

Karolyn Andrews, Media & PR Manager, JDRF
Ph. 02 9966 0400 (x203) or 0403 787 077 | email: kandrews@jdrf.org.au